Valverde, now 21 years old, is a crucial part of Real Madrid’s midfield and his manager Zinedine Zidane has been pleased with the performances. The box-to-box style of the young Uruguayan allows him to press opponents higher up the field, and track back to help defend. The nickname, “El Pajarito” or “The Little Bird” was given to Valverde when he was younger, because of his ability to fly around the pitch. This season revealed how “The Little Bird” has become a tyrant, and a main protagonist in Real Madrid’s pursuit of La Liga.
Rising young players in Football 