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Steve Nicol says Real Madrid superstar would struggle to start at Liverpool

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By Shrishh Attavar

Steve Nicol says Federico Valverde would struggle for game time at Liverpool

Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has shared his thoughts on the potential arrival of Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde at Anfield, suggesting that new signings Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai would stand as preferred starters over the Uruguayan.

Expressing his views to ESPN via ECHO, Nicol suggests that the presence of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai would create tough competition for Valverde and potentially limit his opportunities on the field.

“Liverpool have just signed Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, they already have Fabinho, Henderson’s still around for another year. Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, two young guys, particularly Elliott, who will play. Does he start before Szoboszlai? No. Does he start before Mac Allister? No.

“So, if you’re Valverde, you’re going to be thinking about that as well. Thiago’s still there. So if I’m Valverde, I’m thinking, number one, they’re [Real Madrid] prepared to let me go. Two, do I start [at Liverpool]?”

Valverde, who sees himself linked with a move to Liverpool in recent months, would undoubtedly bring valuable experience to the team at just 24 years old, with two La Liga titles and a Champions League trophy already under his belt.

Liverpool target Federico Valverde.
Liverpool target Federico Valverde.

He would probably remain the first-choice selection in central midfield in case he decides to move to Liverpool given his youth, and experience at such a young age.

Nicol’s analysis highlights the quality and potential that Mac Allister and Szoboszlai bring to Liverpool’s midfield. Their arrivals demonstrate the club’s proactive approach to strengthening the team and provide additional depth and options in midfield.

However, Valverde is among the world’s best midfielders and the notion that he wouldn’t start over 19-year-old Harvey Elliott, is laughable, to say the least.

Steve Nicol says Federico Valverde could struggle for game time at Liverpool.
Steve Nicol says Federico Valverde could struggle for game time at Liverpool.

As far as our new signings are concerned, they would surely provide the Real Madrid man tough competition, but will in all likelihood, remain as alternatives to Valverde.

More Liverpool News:

While the speculation surrounding Valverde’s potential move to Merseyside continues, it is important to recognize the impact of the club’s recent signings on the midfield dynamics. As far as Valverde to Liverpool is concerned, that is purely speculative, but from what appears, highly unlikely that the move could come to fruition.