Anwar Ibrahim (Cairo)
Although French star Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid striker, scored his fifth goal in four matches and provided his first assist in the Spanish League “La Liga” during his team’s match against Espanyol in the sixth round of the competition, he was not spared from criticism from some Spanish newspapers, whether Madrid or Catalan, due to the many opportunities he wasted in front of the goal.
The Spanish press accused him of lacking offensive effectiveness and of not being able to finish off attacks accurately, noting that all of Spain expects a lot from “Bondi’s spoiled boy.”
Meanwhile, Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior received a lot of praise and flattery, because he was decisive as soon as he came on in the second half, scoring a goal and setting up another goal for his compatriot Rodrygo, and his picture topped the front pages of Madrid newspapers on Sunday morning.
Despite the penalty kick he scored from, and the decisive pass that set up Vinicius’ goal, the Spanish media believes that Mbappe must be more decisive in front of goal, just as he was decisive throughout his seven years with his former team, Paris Saint-Germain.
While Marca gave him an 8 out of 10 for his wonderful pass to Vinicius, his first in La Liga, they were also strict with him in what they wrote about him, although they pointed out that he posed a constant threat during the first half thanks to his speed and strength, but he lacked the “final touch” in front of goal, as he shot many balls but they went outside the goal frame.
She said that the world champion, who won the 2018 World Cup in Russia, shot 11 times on goal, without scoring any goals, and the only goal he scored was from a penalty kick, pointing out the need to improve his ability to finish attacks and score goals.
She admitted that this might come with playing more matches and getting more used to the atmosphere in Spanish stadiums.
The newspaper said: With a little accuracy in shooting, no one will be able to stop the danger of the top scorer in the last World Cup 2022.
The newspaper AS was more positive in its criticism of Mbappe, as it pointed out the great effort made by the “captain” of the “Roosters” team, and said that he is a star who tries and tries and tries.
While the Catalan press was more critical of Mbappé, with Mundo Deportivo writing: “Despite scoring from the penalty spot, it wasn’t his night.”
