Eden Hazard stars in Real Madrid win but Zidane praises another

 

Eden Hazard finally made his mark in a Real Madrid shirt, scoring the second goal in the 4-2 triumph over Granada at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday afternoon but Los Blancos boss Zidane had special words for another of his rising stars.

Fede Valverde has been showing some great displays since being called on of late and the youngster was once again brilliant against Granada. His hustling in midfield forced a mistake in added time at the end of the first half after which he clipped a perfectly weighted ball through for Hazard to score his first goal as a Real Madrid player.

In the second half, as Granada threatened a comeback Valverde it was who won the ball back in the lead-up to Luka Modric’s superb strike which made it 3-0.

Zinedine Zidane was visibly delighted with the Uruguayan’s work rate afterwards.

“He is quite a modern player,” Zidane said according to Marca as monitored by Soccernet.ng.

“I’m happy for him.

“He’s very good and he’s always shown that.

“He’s growing.

“He always moves forward, he wants the ball and he’s been key for two goals today.

“But it’s a team game and our first half today was phenomenal in every way.”

On Eden Hazard scoring, Zidane revealed his relief.

“We need him like this and he needed to score,” Zidane added.

“He was happy and we’re happy for him.

“I hope it’s the first of many.”