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Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso before Real Madrid's FIFA Club World Cup match against CF Pachuca(Image: (Richard Pelham/Getty Images))

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has compared Federico Valverde to Steven Gerrard after his side's victory over Pachuca in the Club World Cup.

Despite going to ten-men when Raul Asencio was shown a straight red card, goals from Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler and Valverde secured the Santiago Bernabeu club a 3-1 victory.

And speaking after the game in Charlotte, Alonso was full of praise for Valverde, saying: “I haven’t seen many players with his physical ability.



He reminds me of Steven Gerrard.

"He can play anywhere, and I’m very happy to be coaching him.

"Every coach would like to have a Valverde in their team.

He made up for the penalty the other day and showed his fighting spirit in the celebration.”

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Alonso also confirmed after the game that FIFA is now investigating after Antonio Rudiger alleged he was racially abused during his side’s victory.

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Rudiger had clashed with Pachuca captain Gustavo Cabral in injury time, but it was not clear if the alleged abuse came from a player or someone in the crowd.

Asked if Rudiger had been the victim of racism during the game, Alonso told a news conference: "That's what Rüdiger said, and we believe him.

"It is important to have zero tolerance in these kinds of situations.

"FIFA now is investigating.

That's all I can say."

FIFA, the world governing body and tournament organiser, has not commented, but referee Ramon Abatti had crossed his arms in front of his chest, which signals the activation of the anti-racism protocol.

The game at the Bank of America Stadium also saw Trent Alexander-Arnold make his second Real appearance after joining the Spanish giants earlier this month.

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The Reds confirmed at the end of May that they had accepted an offer from Real for the England international ahead of the June transfer window opening.

As a result of the deal, the Premier League champions got £10m for a player who would have been available on a free in a month's time.

Real wanted to sign Alexander-Arnold in order for him to play for them at the Club World Cup, which began on June 15.