Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti was this evening drawn on the penalty taker pecking order in his squad.
The subject of spot-kick duties has of course taken its place front and centre in the chatter surrounding Real Madrid this summer.
As much comes owing to the high-profile arrival of Kylian Mbappé.
The expectation was that Mbappé, who had long taken responsibility of penalties for Paris Saint-Germain, would quickly put himself in a position to do likewise in Spain’s capital, too.
Recent reports in the Spanish media, however, have assured that it is Vinícius Jr. who will continue to act as first-choice from 12 yards.
Speaking to the media in anticipation of his side’s UEFA Super Cup showdown with Serie A outfit Atalanta on Wednesday, the same subject was in turn put to Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti.
And the Italian made use of the opportunity to keep opponents guessing, in assuring that Mbappé is just one of many penalty-taker options in his squad:
“Mbappé as penalty taker? He is one of them. Vinícius, Bellingham, Valverde… we have many good ones.”
Conor Laird | GSFN
