An elderly man gesturing in the foreground while two players in white uniforms greet each other in the background.
Manolo Lama Talking with Mbappé and Vinicius Shaking Hands | Camara Real Madrid Confidencial
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Manolo Lama Reveals Who Should Take the Penalties, Mbappé or Vinícius: 'Should Take'

Join the Great Debate and Point Out Who Should Take Responsibility

by

Borja Díaz

This past Saturday against Valencia, Real Madrid missed a shot from 12 yds. (11 meters) again. It was Vinicius who took on the responsibility even though it was committed against Mbappé. This has reopened the debate about who should take charge of the penalties.

One of the latest to comment was journalist Manolo Lama, who wanted to settle the debate. "The penalty issue is Mbappé's fault, he should grab the ball and say I'm taking this penalty," he surprised everyone. It seems that his words were not shared by the rest of his colleagues.

Two players compete for the ball in a match, one in a black uniform and the other in a white uniform, in a stadium full of spectators.
Moment When They Make a Tackle on Mbappé That Results in a Penalty | Real Madrid Confidencial

But he justified himself by saying it was "like Cristiano Ronaldo would do, he took many penalties at Real Madrid and missed 14." And he made it clear that "did anyone question him? No," so Mbappé should be the same. He believes it is the Frenchman and not Vinicius who should take the shots from 12 yds. (11 meters).

Then the figure of the coach came up and whether Carletto should be the one to decide at that moment. That it can't be the players and that as Lama says, Mbappé grabs the ball. "Do you think Ancelotti is going to come out and tell him not to take it?" the journalist asked.

Real Madrid Has a Big Problem with Penalties This Season

Real Madrid started the season with several possible penalty takers. Especially Mbappé and Vinicius, but also Bellingham could take on the responsibility. However, the three have not been entirely reliable and have had their misses.

A player takes a penalty kick while the goalkeeper dives to try to stop the ball in a stadium full of spectators.
Vinicius taking the penalty kick he missed against Valencia | Real Madrid Confidencial

Kylian missed against Athletic and against Liverpool, two shots that could have changed both matches. But right now many believe he is the most capable of taking them. Although last Saturday it was Vinicius who seemed to be the first option.

Meanwhile, some voices are rising, asking for Fede Valverde to take the penalties. So far he has made all the ones he has attempted in his career, also being in shootouts to decide matches. Moreover, he lacks neither leadership nor character, so he could be the ideal candidate to leave behind Madrid's bad streak.

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