Joselu talks Real Madrid, Mbappe, Bellingham, Vinicius, Carvajal, Ballon d’Or | OneFootball

From his vantage point in Qatar, former Real Madrid forward Joselu has some strong opinions on the current state of the team and its star players.

When it comes to Kylian Mbappe, who has recently faced criticism for his lack of goals and apparent anxiety, Joselu remains unphased.

He likens Mbappe’s situation to a bottle of ketchup: initially difficult to get going, but once it starts, it flows freely. Joselu is confident that Mbappe, having already netted twice against Betis, will continue to find the back of the net and make a significant impact at Madrid.

“I don’t pay much attention to it, honestly. I know what Madrid is like and I know the qualities that Mbappe has, and for me, there is no doubt,” said Joselu as quoted by AS.

“Mbappe is like a bottle of ketchup. At first, you press it and it doesn’t come out, but then it all comes out at once.

“He has already scored two goals against Betis and he will continue to score. He will make history at Madrid, he and all those around him,” he added.

Joselu’s admiration for Real Madrid

Joselu expresses deep gratitude towards Real Madrid, highlighting the club’s exceptional treatment of players and their families. He praises Madrid not just for their sporting prowess but also for their overall approach to player care.

Joselu played a key role in Real Madrid’s success last season. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“I have already said that Madrid is the best team in the world, not only in terms of sport, but also in everything else, in the way players and their families are treated.

“I will always be grateful to Madrid, which is also the team of my heart. Wearing the white shirt has its greatness and carries its responsibility. The current Madrid not only has the best team but also the best president.”

Reflecting on the past season, Joselu considers it one of the most remarkable in his history. Real Madrid clinched the La Liga title, the Champions League, and the Super Cup.

Additionally, Joselu had an impressive year with the national team, winning both the Nations League and the Euro Cup.

He recalls the season with immense pride, noting that the team lost only two matches throughout the year, and the atmosphere around Madrid was truly exceptional.

“We won the League, the Champions League and the Super Cup. And also the Nations League and the Euro Cup with the national team.

“For me, it was something incredible. It was a season in which we only lost two games in the whole year. What was generated in Madrid was spectacular. For me, it was an unforgettable time,” he noted.

Joselu’s Ballon d’Or contenders

Regarding the Ballon d’Or, Joselu believes that four Real Madrid players are strong contenders: Dani Carvajal, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, and Kylian Mbappe.

However, he places particular emphasis on Carvajal, arguing that the defender’s achievements, including winning all major titles last season and the European Super Cup, make him a deserving candidate.

Joselu thinks Carvajal deserves the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

“Carvajal, without a doubt. He won all the titles last season and started this one by winning the European Super Cup. In addition, he also won the European Championship, a competition in which he scored as he did in the Champions League final.

“And all this while playing as a defender. I think that the Ballon d’Or should recognise this and pay more attention to these footballers who, like him, are almost in danger of extinction.

“We only have eyes for the forwards, for those who score a lot of goals. But playing as a defender for Real Madrid is a great achievement and deserves recognition,” said the forward.

Looking ahead, Joselu is optimistic about Real Madrid’s chances of success this season. Although the team has already secured one title, the European Super Cup, he criticizes those who prematurely judge the team’s prospects based on the early league games.

“At the moment they have already won one, the European Super Cup… the problem is that people don’t realise that there are only four league games played, and some already think Madrid is dead. A mistake.

“That’s where the problems come later because if you spit in the sky, it falls back on your face. Madrid is going to be fighting for the six titles that remain. I remember those who, when Benzema left, said that Madrid was not going to win anything.

“And we only lost two games all season. Real Madrid will compete for everything and will be fighting for all the titles, nobody should doubt that,” he explained.