Luciano Valente has expressed strong backing for striker Nacho Ferri’s recent development at Feyenoord, pointing to the Spanish forward’s increasing output and high work rate during training sessions. Speaking on the club podcast Geluid van Zuid, the midfielder emphasized that Ferri’s growth is translating onto the pitch after an initial period where external critics quickly labeled the summer signing a potential miskoop.
”Ferri does very well now, makes huge steps,” Valente said on the podcast. ”It is a matter of confidence, that is coming out nicely now. It is naturally important that we have a striker who scores, he is doing very well. On the training ground I also see that he delivers a lot of energy. Goals and combinations will all come eventually. He also needs time to grow.”
Ferri arrived at De Kuip with questions surrounding his immediate impact, drawing swift scrutiny from commentators and supporters. Valente believes that rush to judgment reflects modern football culture, where players face immediate pressure after only a handful of appearances. ”That is also the football of today, isn’t it? Every now and then they have to wait a little longer to express things. Footballers are always judged on the match, which is of course also logical, because that is what it ultimately revolves around. Only you cannot write someone off after one or two matches.”
Beyond his physical presence, Valente highlighted under-appreciated attributes in the forward’s play style. Describing Ferri as a valuable link-up option who acts as a tactical focal point, the midfielder noted that opposing defenders often misjudge the Spaniard’s acceleration. ”Ferri is a linking pivot-man. What people can be mistaken in: he is also quite fast. Once he goes, he is loose. That is also a nice quality. He is now also starting to score easily, which gives confidence.”
High Hopes for Feyenoord Academy Prospects
Asked during the podcast appearance about which younger teammates possess the highest ceiling for professional development, Valente pointed directly toward the club’s talent pipeline.
”Zechiël,” Valente answered when prompted on high-potential squad members. ”And Thijs Kraaijeveld, I also have a lot of confidence in him. He is not playing yet, but that is certainly someone with a lot of potential. He is also not easily impressed. Kraaijeveld has the build, can play football well. Every now and then he has to get tougher in defending, and he is starting to get better at that too. In the preparation he still had a bizarre head wound. Nice player.”
Kraaijeveld continues to work through the club’s development ranks while integrating into first-team surroundings, displaying a resilient mindset following physical setbacks during the pre-season campaign.
Valente’s Long-Term Outlook and Ambitions
Under contract at Feyenoord until June 2030, Valente addressed speculation regarding his own career trajectory by emphasizing a step-by-step approach to his professional progression. The midfielder admitted that improving his goalscoring output was a primary objective entering the current campaign, a target he has already surpassed compared to his previous numbers.
”I do not think so much about the future, I actually never did that,” Valente said. ”I just want to play football nicely and enjoy the game. Naturally I am aware of my development points, I am working hard on that. One of those was scoring, now I have scored more than last year. Although that was not very difficult either.”
While committed to the Rotterdam club for the foreseeable future, Valente acknowledged eventual ambitions to test himself in other prominent European leagues when the time is right. ”Step by step I am also developing. That I have confidence in a nice career should be clear, take it easy, step by step. In the football world it is important that you stand strong in your shoes. I am tied to Feyenoord until 2030, so for the time being I am not leaving here yet. I enjoy it here. Dream clubs? Yes, I would very much like to see myself play football in Italy or Spain. I don’t know where it’s going to end.”
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