Former Real Madrid manager praises Mbappe’s leadership after El Clasico win: ‘A very intelligent person’

Former Real Madrid manager praises Mbappe’s leadership after El Clasico win: ‘A very intelligent person’ Kylian Mbappe’s decisive performance in Real Madrid’s 2–1 El Clasico victory over Barcelona has strengthened the argument that the French forward is becoming a natural leader at the Santiago Bernabeu.  Former Real Madrid player and manager Jorge Valdano praised Mbappe’s influence after he scored both goals at the Spotify Camp Nou, while Gerard Lopez argued that Real Madrid have become more balanced following Vinicius Junior’s absence. Speaking on Movistar Plus Deportes’ La Casa del Fútbol , the two analysts offered contrasting perspectives on Real Madrid’s attacking dynamics after the victory over their arch-rivals. Valdano says Mbappe’s goals make him a Real Madrid leader Valdano, who played for Real Madrid between 1984 and 1987 before managing the club from 1994 to 1996, believes Mbappe’s goalscoring record naturally gives him significant influence within the dressing room. “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?” Valdano said. Mbappe scored twice against Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Mbappe justified that assessment against Barcelona, scoring twice to secure Real Madrid’s 2–1 victory in El Clasico.  Valdano also explained why leadership does not necessarily require a player to assume an outspoken role within the team. “To lead is to have influence, and the one who scores goals has more influence than anyone else, doesn’t he?” he added. The former Real Madrid manager believes Mbappe’s intelligence also strengthens his influence on teammates.  “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,” he said. Real Madrid are more balanced without Vinicius Junior While Valdano focused on Mbappe’s leadership, former Barcelona midfielder Gerard Lopez highlighted the impact of Vinicius Jr.’s absence on Real Madrid’s overall balance. Vinicius missed the El Clasico through suspension. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) “Real Madrid are better off following Vinicius’s departure. That’s just the way it is. The team is much more balanced,” Lopez said on the same program. He expanded on that argument by suggesting the team’s collective work rate has improved without the Brazilian forward in the line-up. “Without Vinicius, this team runs more and runs better,” he noted. It must be remembered that Vinicius missed El Clasico through suspension after his sending-off against Villarreal.  Lastly, Lopez singled out Yan Diomande for his contribution to Real Madrid’s victory, “who, in my view, was Real Madrid’s best player in the match.”