Former Real Madrid captain Fernando Hierro has heaped massive praise on Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde following his performance this season.

According to Hierro, the Uruguay international can now be regarded as one of the best players in the world.

Valverde has been receiving praises from every corner, and Hierro is the latest to pour accolades on him.

He told AS: “When Madrid announced his signing I was in Uruguay and Diego Forlán had already told me about the diamond he was coaching.

“He is a modern player, very physical, with tremendous shooting and confidence. He is the typical English box-to-box who has come of age and has managed to show his full potential, but he can still get a little more out of himself.

“Yes (he’s among the best in the world). For me there is no doubt. He has brought out his stride, his shot from outside the area, arrival from the second line, recovery… In the open field he enhances all his virtues. Fede has many good things and is in his moment.”