Jose Mourinho has said Carlos Espi is “very good”, but suggested the 21-year-old faces a difficult battle for regular playing time at Real Madrid because “Mbappe is Mbappe”.
Espi made another decisive impact from the bench in the Champions League, scoring in the 83rd minute as Real Madrid completed a remarkable 4-3 comeback victory over Roma in Rome.
The Spanish forward came on shortly before finding the net. Real Madrid had been trailing 3-1 before turning the match around to take all three points.
Mourinho was asked whether Espi deserved to be given more opportunities in the starting line-up.
“Espi is very good, but Mbappe is Mbappe,” replied the Real Madrid manager.
Espi has scored three goals in six appearances this season. However, he has not started any of those matches.