Headline: Real Madrid’s Carlos Espi Praises Mbappe and Mourinho During Media Session
There is no doubt that Kylian Mbappe is one of the best players on the planet, and his second-placed finish on the Ballon d’Or standings reflects the same.
His numbers at Real Madrid are staggering, and he has already made the number nine position his own with Los Blancos.
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The club did, however, see the need to keep a backup player in the position and went on to bring in Carlos Espi – a player who provides a more direct goalscoring threat as a traditional number nine.
So far, the duo have worked very well in tandem. While it is Mbappe who starts and hogs a massive part of the minutes, Espi has stepped up with clutch goals when Real Madrid have needed them most.
Espi Heaps Praise on Mbappe
Espi and Mbappe in action. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
Speaking to the media on duty with the Spain U21 team, the youngster commented on Kylian Mbappe and revealed his two cents on the Frenchman’s quality.
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“Kylian Mbappe is the best player in the world. To me, he deserved the Ballon d’Or,” he added.
He then revealed how just training with the forward taught him a lot and helped him improve.
“Every training session I spend with him, I try to learn as much as I can from him, and listen to everything he tells me.
“His speed, his dribbling, his goalscoring, it’s incredible to watch, really,” he added.
On Jose Mourinho
The manager then commented on Jose Mourinho and how the manager was transforming the dressing room into a winning machine.
“José Mourinho is incredible,” he began.
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“He’s very close to us, very demanding, and that’s a very good thing,” he added.
Espi appreciated Mourinho’s management. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Espi then revealed how it felt personally to work with the legendary manager, and how his relationship with the coach was.
“It’s great to have him so close to me, telling me what I did well and what I did badly, I’m very happy with José.”
Espi Speaks on His Time at Real Madrid
Finally, the player expressed what a privilege it was to play for Real Madrid.
“To me, every minute I spend on the pitch for Real Madrid is golden.”
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“Every opportunity to play is a golden opportunity,” he added.
He acknowledged that he was not receiving as many minutes as he liked, but also stressed that he is willing to wait for his chances.
“Of course I’d like to play more, every player does, but I just focus on taking full advantage of every opportunity the coach gives me to play.”
Finally, Espi revealed how he could have signed for multiple Premier League sides in the summer and how Real Madrid’s arrival on the scene changed everything.
“It’s true that I could’ve gone to the Premier League last summer, but when Real Madrid called, I could not say no.”
