Photo by Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images
Real Madrid take on Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby in less than 48 hours in what will be their biggest challenge yet this season.
Los Blancos, who have endured a shaky yet positive start to the season, will look to gun down the only opponent they lost to last season.
After all, only two points separate the rivals in the standings and a win for Diego Simeone’s side will help them leapfrog Real Madrid in La Liga.
Speaking to the media ahead of the derby, Real Madrid legend Fernando Morientes gave his take on a plethora of the team’s stars and how they line up ahead of the clash against Atletico Madrid.
The former striker was first asked about which Real Madrid star he would like to play alongside, to which he said,
“If you asked me who I would like to play alongside? Who wouldn’t want to play with Mbappe? It would be brutal, but I’m almost 50 years old.”
Elaborating on Mbappe’s position at Real Madrid compared to the role he played last season with PSG, Morientes said,
“I saw him well. He is more of a winger, where he played mainly for Paris Saint-Germain. But I see him as good [as a centre-forward].”
Morientes then elaborated on why he felt the Frenchman was the best fit for Real Madrid today in the centre-forward position.
“Mbappe is the player I like most in the centre-forward position. I’ve seen him do well as a 9, with his speed everything becomes easier,” said the former striker.
“Rodrygo would not adapt as well (to the centre) and neither would Vinicius,” he added.
Commenting on Mbappe’s recent fitness setback that has him ruled out for tomorrow’s derby, Morientes admitted that it was a big blow.
“Injuries never come at a good time. It usually happens, especially, in players who come with tension: the arrival in Madrid, what has happened, that pressure.”
“And he has also played many minutes, but you have to take the bull by the horns and recover as soon as possible. He is a very strong guy physically and they will put a fence on that injury that will surely not be serious,” he added with optimism.
The legend was then asked to give his two cents on Endrick, who has made a strong start to life at Real Madrid.
“I really like Endrick’s personality. It’s not easy when you come to Madrid at such a young age. You have to be there to understand the essence of the club. Everything is magnified,” he began, praising his adaptation.
“For better or worse. The impact is global. It can affect you mentally too. Endrick came at a very young age, he has adapted very well and shown a lot of character. He’s a boy with characteristics that can fit in well with the above,” he added.
“Even with Arda Guler, and with Bellingham coming in from behind. If Mbappe isn’t there, as is the case now, he’s undoubtedly a substitute,” he concluded on Endrick’s role.
Moving to the topic of the Ballon d’Or, Morientes had no dilemma as to who the deserving winner was.
“I think they will give it to Vinicius who deserves it more than anything. If they give it to Carvajal or Bellingham they will also deserve it.”
On the matter of racism directed at Vinicius, Morientes added: “Vinicius wasn’t the first, I saw Eto’o trying to leave the pitch. The sooner we can end the racism challenge, the better.”
Finally, he gave his prediction for tomorrow’s Madrid derby, saying: “Any result for Real Madrid is worth it for me (laughs). It’s going to be a game where you can’t give any of them as a favourite.”
Source: AS
