A number of players from both Barcelona and Real Madrid have spoken publicly about a variety of important topics in the days leading up to the season’s first El Clasico match. There is only one point separating Madrid and Barcelona in the table, with Madrid currently holding the one point advantage.

There is mutual respect between both teams right now, which is the complete opposite of how the mood was immediately after the game. Carlo Ancelotti has praised Barcelona’s youth players, and Ferran Torres and Alejandro Balde have defended Vinicius Jr. about his playing style. The atmosphere immediately after the game was tense and hostile.

Federico Valverde, a midfielder for Real Madrid, has also commented on the upcoming match, and according to CNN, he was cited as stating, “The game will be hard. I believe that we have a really talented team, despite the fact that it will undoubtedly be challenging. We are making excellent progress. We are quite excited about the match, knowing that we can make a significant step forward in La Liga, as I mentioned to you before.

Valverde was also asked which player from Barcelona he would take with him to Real Madrid if he could take only one. The response would not come as a shock to anyone.

“I believe that a lot of people are aware of who I would choose to represent Barcelona (laughs). The person in question is Ronald Araujo. In my opinion, he is not only one of the best defenders for Barcelona but also one of the best in the world. In my opinion, he is the best there is anywhere in the world.

In addition to that, I enjoy spending time with him in Uruguay with the national team. When I play for Uruguay, I enjoy it, but when I play for Real Madrid, I have to suffer. “In addition to being a great player, he is also a great person,” Valverde said.

He finished by saying, “Even though we are competitors at such a high level, I always wish him the best,”

This is not the first time that Valverde has professed his admiration for Araujo; in the past, he has also referred to him as one of the most talented central defenders in the entire world.

The defender for Barcelona has also commented on Valverde, adding, “He is a friend and a terrific player. It is unfortunate that it is on the opposite side.”