Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr’s displays in Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to Real Betis have earned some unflattering comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo.
The pair both struggled in the defeat, with Mbappe missing a late penalty and a number of clear-cut chances.
Post-match, coach Jose Mourinho said his team were simply unlucky, but one pundit has demanded more urgency from the forwards.
Mbappe and Vini told to learn from Ronaldo
Jesús Gallego said: “Real Madrid lost the game because their striker had four opportunities and didn’t convert them.
“Carlos Espí came on with more purpose and the feeling that every play was crucial, unlike Mbappe or Vinicius.
“Vinicius gets his act together when it’s urgent. Cristiano Ronaldo was ready to score from the first minute of the game; I don’t see that with Vinicius and Mbappe.
“They miss a chance and laugh, thinking it’s no big deal, but it is a big deal, and it happened [vs Betis].
“Since the team isn’t playing at its best, you have to take advantage of every opportunity you get.”
The praise for Espi, who scored but was ruled offside, continued when it came to €125million man Yan Diomande.
More concerns for Yan Diomande
“He played for a little while and didn’t ask for the ball,” Gallego said. “Espi comes on and has a huge impact on the game, unlike Diomande, who barely touched the ball.
“He doesn’t have the impact that a player who cost that much money should have.”
Gallego then specifically criticised Mbappe’s performance.
He added: “Real Madrid lost the game because their striker had four chances and didn’t convert them,” Jesus Gallego said.
“Espi comes out with more purpose and the feeling that every play is decisive, unlike Mbappe or Vinicius.
“It’s not normal for a striker like Mbappe to miss the goals he missed today. The analysis of the match boils down to a lack of finishing.”
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