Real Madrid decide primary penalty taker after Kylian Mbappe joins star-studded attack including Vinicius Jr and Bellingham: Reports
Real Madrid have reportedly decided that Vinicius Junior will be their primary penalty taker even after the arrival of striker Kylian Mbappe. The 25-year-old Frenchman has arrived this summer on a free transfer.
Mbappe is widely regarded as one of the top strikers in the game, having ended his seven-season stint at PSG with a record 256 goals. Having been unveiled at the Santiago Bernabeu last month, the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner is set to embark on a new adventure.
However, as per Marca (via Madrid Xtra), Mbappe won't be the main penalty taker for his new side, as the responsiblity for that will be on Vinicius. The Brazilian is coming off a solid season despite being plagued by injuries.
In 39 games across competitions, he contributed 24 goals and 11 assists as Carlo Ancelotti's side won three titles, including their second La Liga-UEFA Champions League double in three years.
Three of those goals came form the spot - where he has a flawless 3/3 record for Los Blancos. Meanwhile, Mbappe is 42-10 from the spot for club and country, including 12-3 last season, with 10 of those successful efforts and all three misses coming with the Parisians.
Kylian Mbappe not with Vinicius Junior at Real Madrid pre-season
New Real Madrid attacker Kylian Mbappe is not with Vinicius Junior and Co. during their pre-season tour of the US. That's because of his deep run with France at Euro 2024, where Les Bleus lost 2-1 to eventual winners Spain in the semi-final.
It's peritnent to note that Jude Bellingham (England), Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Ferland Mendy (all France) and Dani Carvajal (Spain) were also excluded from the pre-season squad for the same reason.
Meanwhile, Vinicius is a part of the squad that lost 1-0 to AC Milan at Soldier Field in Chicago before losing 2-1 to Barcelona at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Los Blancos conclude their pre-season engagements with a clash with Chelsea on Tuesday (August 6) at the Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina.
Mbappe is expected to make his Los Blancos debut in the UEFA Super Cup clash with reigning UEFA Europa League winners Atalanta in Warsaw on August 14.