In soccer, opinions fly like a through ball, when Lobo Carrasco speaks, noise is inevitable. This time, the former footballer and panelist from El Chiringuito has put a comparison on the table that's already sparking debate. Who does he think is the best right now?
A debut that ignites the debate
Real Madrid started the week with a smile; in the friendly against WSG Tirol in Austria, Madrid won 4-0. It was just preparation for LaLiga, but it felt like a big event. The spotlight, inevitably, was on one man: Kylian Mbappé.
Wearing the "10" on his back, the Frenchman scored two goals and provided an assist to Rodrygo. His debut couldn't have been more impressive—speed, finishing, and that sense that every time he touches the ball, something could happen. It was a serious warning for rivals and for teammates fighting to be the team's star.
Carrasco doesn't beat around the bush
In the studio, Lobo Carrasco appeared enthusiastic. "Mbappé, if the team works in pressing like today, he's going to score more goals than last season," he said confidently. Up to this point, these are compliments anyone could agree with.
But then came the nuance that raised eyebrows. Carrasco stated that the headlines won't be for Jude Bellingham or Vinícius. "We want to talk about Bellingham or Vinícius, but no, not for me," he said without hesitation.
These words not only praise the Frenchman but also push other heavyweights in the locker room into the background. Meanwhile, this is where the intrigue grows: if Mbappé is above, is there anyone else who can compete with him on the former footballer's personal podium?
The emergence of a third name
The answer didn't take long; Carrasco brought another player into the conversation. "The only one who can face Lamine right now is Mbappé. One is scoring more goals than the other, but the other is almost unstoppable," he explained.
Thus, the panelist made it clear that, in his opinion, Barcelona's young talent, Lamine Yamal, is at a "stratospheric" level. For him, only Mbappé can challenge him. Neither Bellingham nor Vinícius appear in this particular duel.
This nod to the Barça academy graduate doesn't surprise those who know Carrasco's career. He has always shown a preference for figures linked to Barça. He did so with Messi and now repeats it with Lamine.
In Madrid, no fear
Despite Carrasco's words, there's no unease at Real Madrid. The numbers back Mbappé: 44 goals last season, "Pichichi" and Golden Boot, even without being at his peak. Now, with a more polished team, he seems ready to surpass those numbers.
Ultimately, this comparison is nothing more than fuel for the season. It's a scenario in which, according to Carrasco, there are only two major protagonists in today's soccer world. One of them wears white.