Diego Forlan has backed midfielder Federico Valverde to become as important to Real Madrid as Sergio Ramos.

While the veteran defender has enjoyed a legendary trophy-laden career at the Bernabeu, Valverde has only just established himself as an important fixture in midfield.

However, at a time when Ramos's long-term future at Los Blancos is in doubt, Forlan has tipped his Uruguayan compatriot to enjoy a long career at the La Liga giants.

Speaking to Radio Marca, Forlan said: "He has the conditions to be able to keep growing. He's a good lad, a good professional. I'm not surprised by what we are seeing from him because we could already see it.

"He is growing in confidence, maturity, experience and Madrid's fans will enjoy him for many, many years. I would even go as far as to say that he can be in midfield what Sergio Ramos is becoming in defence."

Twenty-one-year-old Valverde has recently penned a five-year contract at Madrid.