Valverde third behind Messi and Aspas for La Liga long-range goals

Federico Valverde continued his outstanding record from outside the penalty area by opening the scoring in Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Valencia at Mestalla on Saturday.

The Uruguay midfielder struck with a powerful effort in the 28th minute during the La Liga meeting, adding another long-range goal to an already notable record.

According to Spanish statistics account MisterChip, Valverde has scored 16 of his 26 La Liga goals from outside the box. That gives him a rate of 62%, placing him fifth among players in the 21st century to have scored at least 20 league goals.

Only four players have a higher proportion in the ranking. Assuncao leads the list with 19 of his 24 goals coming from outside the area, a rate of 79%. Roberto Carlos is second on 70%, having scored 19 of his 27 goals from distance.

Senna and Tico are next, both with 65%. Each scored 13 of their 20 goals from outside the penalty area.

Valverde made his La Liga debut in September 2017. Since then, only two players have scored more goals from outside the area in the competition: Barcelona great Lionel Messi, with 34, and Iago Aspas, with 20.

Real Madrid extended their winning run to eight matches in all competitions after completing a comfortable victory over Valencia.

Arda Guler doubled the visitors’ advantage in the 36th minute, before Kylian Mbappe completed the scoring in the 75th minute.

Valencia captain Jose Gaya was sent off in the 79th minute after receiving a straight red card for a challenge on Mbappe.