Former Real Madrid manager Jorge Valdano believes Jose Mourinho’s side plays better without Vinicius Jr in the starting XI. He claimed that the win over Barcelona showed why the Brazilian’s suspension is a blessing in disguise.
Speaking on Movistar Plus Deportes’ La Casa del Fútbol, Valdano said that all players run more and the side is balanced when they play without the winger. He added that the suspension has shown what Mourinho needs to do to get the results and said:
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“Real Madrid are better off following Vinicius’s suspension. That’s just the way it is. The team is much more balanced. Without Vinicius, this team runs more and runs better.”
Valdano went on to heap praise on Kylian Mbappe after his brace in El Clasico. He claimed that the Frenchman was a leader on the pitch and was a key player. He added that the striker is a very intelligent player and said:
“There are technical leaders, emotional leaders, social leaders… everyone has their own way of leading. A guy who scores at a rate of one goal per match – how could he not be a leader. To lead is to have influence, and the one who scores goals has more influence than anyone else, doesn’t he? Mbappe is a very, very intelligent person and he leads even if he doesn’t mean to, because whatever he comes up with is sure to catch his teammates’ attention.”
Kylian Mbappe scored both goals as Real Madrid won 2-1 at Barcelona. Vinicius Jr is suspended following his red card and has two more matches to serve before getting back in the squad.
Former Real Madrid manager Jorge Valdano praises Vinicius Jr’s replacement
Former Real Madrid manager Jorge Valdano has claimed that Yan Diomande was the best player for Los Blancos in the win over Barcelona. He stated that the young winger has played a key role in bringing balance to the starting XI and said:
“In my view, was Real Madrid’s best player in the match!”
Real Madrid signed Diomande in the summer for a reported €140 million. The winger had a slow start at the club, but has scored three goals and got four assists in his 13 matches so far.
The youngster started on the left wing due to the absence of Vinicius Jr and impressed in the win over Barcelona. He is expected to continue in the starting XI in the next two league matches.
Edited by Sripad
