The Uruguayan international has become one of the key players for Los Blancos in recent years, starting the majority of their games. In five years with the club, the 25-year-old has won a Champions League, two La Liga titles, two FIFA Club World Cups, a Spanish Cup, a UEFA Super Cup and two Spanish Super Cups.
It's an impressive haul for a player that is yet to reach the peak of their career, despite not always being the talisman of the team. Instead, Valverde's versatility is often what makes him a very useful star for Real, able to play in central midfield as well as on the wing if required.
It comes as little surprise that the Spanish giants looked to secure his services for the long-term in 2021 when a new deal was signed that expires in 2027. However, things could've been very different for the midfielder at another time due to some trials he had in his formative years.
One of those trials was with Arsenal, where he trained under Arsene Wenger for one week, but a deal with his side at the time, Penarol, was opted against. It's something that hasn't been mentioned much since, despite all of the successes that he has found ever since.With Valverde set to face off with former Arsenal star Sanchez in World Cup qualifying, he was asked about his thoughts on the playmaker, where he revealed the trial and how the pair got on. Speaking to reporters, the Real Madrid star said: "I have always been grateful to him [Alexis Sanchez].
"When I went to train at Arsenal, Alexis was there and he was one of the few who came up to help me. I will always be grateful to him because, being a nobody, I was well-received by him. He was there to help me when I was a kid. As a footballer, he is an incredible player."
It's a huge revelation that perhaps in another time, the Gunners would've had Valverde in the heart of their midfield, potentially changing the outcome for Granit Xhaka, Kai Havertz or others who took that mantle for the Gunners.
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