Recently, in an exclusive interview with "AS USA Latino", Argentine star and former Real Madrid player Valdano talked about the criticism Mbappe received at Real Madrid, the French team's World Cup prospects, and topics such as Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ochoa. The time was Hupu News on May 17.
Is Mbappe a problem for Real Madrid?
When it comes to Mbappe, there are things that are said by the outside world and what actually happened. He is a consistent goal-scoring device that has maintained a high level all season long. On the other hand, Real Madrid failed to win the championship, and as the most influential player in the team, he took on more responsibilities than the rest.
Many times, we try to use simple answers to explain complex problems. Real Madrid does have some problems, but among these problems, the one that should not be regarded as a problem is Mbappe. Mbappe is not the problem, he is the solution, and that is the solution in terms of scoring goals, which is the most difficult thing in football.
France's World Cup prospects
France have thirty top players and a high degree of consistency. They won the title in Russia, were runners-up in Qatar and were eliminated only on penalties. We are talking about a team that already possesses and has inherited the kind of consistency often associated with Germany in the past.
In addition, Valdano holds the view that since Paris Saint-Germain will participate in the Champions League final on May 30, the impact of this situation on the Portuguese team will be greater than that of the French team. The reason is that there are many Portuguese players in the Paris lineup.
Messi and Ronaldo
My take on it is: Don't compare them, just enjoy them. There are various differences in the times. Maradona's era is different, and Pele's era is also different. What we have in front of us now are two football monsters, Maradona and Pele. They can continue to maintain such a level for such a long period of time, which will be extremely difficult for others to copy in the future.
They had a profound impact on world football, which lasted for 20 years. I think their competition with each other helps both sides. In the long-distance situation, both of them experienced the challenges from each other, and then used their talents to the extreme. Performance was the limit of their abilities. This shows an extremely fierce, lively and exciting competitive situation. However, for the sport of football, it is an extremely healthy and beneficial promotion. At nearly 40 years old, they participated in their own 6th World Cup. This is undoubtedly a very important and meaningful achievement. This achievement also fully and comprehensively demonstrates that they are not only great, outstanding and extraordinary players, but also great, outstanding and admirable outstanding professional players.
Are Argentina and Portugal favorites for the World Cup?
Yes, I think these two teams are among the few favorites. If I had to name five popular teams that have the potential to win, Argentina and Portugal would be among them. In fact, Portugal is the only team among my favorites that has never won the World Cup.
In Qatar, we have already witnessed the coronation of Messi, which makes me feel happy. Why is this? Because at that World Cup, I supported Argentina and Messi. I not only hoped that Argentina could win the championship, but also hoped that Messi could win the championship.
Is Ronaldo still missing a World Cup?
According to some poetic fairness, if Ronaldo can win the championship in the next World Cup, it will be particularly special. After all, football still lacks a World Cup championship trophy for Ronaldo.
However, to become a champion, apart from talent and greatness, all the conditions must happen to be on your side. So we still have to wait and see what fate will do, and fate is also a very important part of football.
Ochoa and Mexico
Even if it is the first appearance in the World Cup, it is really difficult not to turn it into an obsession. After all, this is the top stage for players. Ochoa is deeply proud of the extraordinary achievement of participating in six World Cups. This situation is almost unheard of in the history of football. This not only demonstrates his own ability, but also reflects his professionalism.
Speaking of Mexico, the passion for football has never dissipated, and they will have home field advantage. We need to see if this advantage can help them in terms of motivation, or if it will have the opposite effect in terms of psychological pressure. I hope they can be closer than ever to that long-awaited "Game 5" like they were in 1986.