The transfer of Mbappé to Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain this summer aroused great expectations. However, the French striker had to adapt to the role of central attacker, Vinicius keeping his post on the left wing. After difficult beginnings in the Spanish capital, the 2018 World Cup winner gradually adapted to his new position. Over time, he also developed a better agreement with his Brazilian teammate, but the duo remains in the spotlight, speculation continuing to intensify their complicity outside the field.
Mbappé and Vinicius were both criticized following their disappointing performance in the round of 16 go to the Champions League against Atlético Madrid, where neither managed to make a significant place. But the former player and coach of Real Madrid, Valdano, believes that they are naturally oriented towards the goal, which can sometimes hinder their ability to associate effectively and has nothing to do with their personal relationship in the locker room.
The explained relationship
Asked about El Tercer Tiempo de Movistar, Valdano said: ” These are two players who have a better relationship with the opposing goal than with the game, than with the association. We accuse them of not being, but this is linked to their characteristics. These are two large sprinters and they have the goal in their hands. ”
It is interesting to note that he suggests that they sometimes compensate by deliberately looking for himself, even when a better option would be to shoot themselves. “” In addition, I sometimes have the impression that they exaggerate the search for the other when the game requires a shot rather than a pass ”he continued. “” In fact, it seems that to be considered innocent, they seek more than they should. »»
Valdano, who worked with some of the greatest attackers in history, compared Mbappé and Vinicius to Brazilian legends Ronaldo Nazario and Romario. He pointed out that certain types of attackers excellent when they focus only on the goal, rather than being supposed to contribute actively to the construction of the game.
“” It is also said that Vinicius and Mbappé do not run enough, but it is impossible for these players to run with endurance “he said. “” I trained Romario and I had Ronaldo in Madrid, and making them run on the ground was a Chinese torture. They couldn't do it, they couldn't do it. In addition, if you were practicing a possession, they completely ignored it. Today, you score a goal in training and they were the best in the world. You have to use what they were bought for. »»
Valdano then dismissed the idea that Mbappé and Vinicius may not maintain the strongest relationship, saying that personal friendships have no impact on the way players bind during the matches.
“The accusation that they are not sufficiently friends because they are not looking for themselves is unfounded”, he said. “I'm not going to go. I do not know what degree of complicity they will have outside the field, but the fact is that the complicity is not compulsory in the locker room. I have known very difficult relationships between players, but on the field, they understood themselves because there was a football harmony. »»
