"I am happy to fulfill my dream" - Real Madrid star Federico Valverde speaks up on special 'honor' following 3-0 victory over Leganes

Federico Valverde shared his thoughts after captaining Real Madrid to a 3-0 win over Leganes in LaLiga on Sunday, November 24. He also scored as they secured a comfortable win at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque.

With Luka Modric starting on the bench, Valverde donned the captain's armband against Leganes. Los Blancos had a good start as Kylian Mbappe scored in the 43rd minute via an assist from Vinicius Jr. Valverde (66') scored from a freekick before Jude Bellingham completed the scoring in the 85th minute.

After the game, Valverde spoke about the win and donning the captain's armband, saying (via YS Scores):

“We added three points and I got closer and closer to first place. I am happy to fulfill my dream of wearing the captaincy. My family and I have always had this dream of being the captain of this great club. I am very happy, proud and happy to represent Real Madrid in this way. The way.”

He added:

“Today is a very special day for me (because he wears the captain’s armband). I will always be grateful to all the leaders who have passed through this club since I have been here. Because they have always transferred these values and symbols to us players who came from other countries, for me, it is an honor to represent this institution and I want to always thank you for the help you have given me.”

With the win, Real Madrid remained second in the LaLiga table, sitting four points behind Barcelona with a game in hand.

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Federico Valverde on playing as a right-back amidst Real Madrid's injury crisis

Real Madrid's first-choice right-back Dani Carvajal suffered an ACL injury in October and is out for the remainder of the season. Their second-choice right-back Lucas Vazquez also picked up an injury during their 4-0 win over Osasuna before the international break.

Hence, in their absence, Fede Valverde, who is a central midfielder, has been chosen to fill in as a right-back. He played in the position against Leganes and when asked about it after the game, he said (via YS Scores):

“Playing in the right-back position? I felt very good and very confident, it's always easier when you have the support of the team and the coaching staff. I tried to give my best in every training session and in every match, trying to watch what Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez do in this position to learn from them. The important thing is to continue contributing to the team.”

Vazquez could potentially return to action next week against Getafe in LaLiga. However, Valverde is likely to remain a right-back for Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool at Anfield on November 27.