La Liga icon critical of Real Madrid duo after derby defeat: ‘Takes much more away than he gives’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid have already lost two of their opening seven La Liga matches, against Real Betis and Atletico Madrid, leaving Jose Mourinho’s side under significant pressure in the early stages of the campaign.

After all, Barcelona have won all of their matches and have taken a six-point lead at the top of the table, whereas Los Blancos currently sit fourth in the standings.

The defeat to Atletico Madrid this past weekend, in particular, has drawn a lot of criticism towards the team, although Mourinho did not accept responsibility for the defeats in his post-match press conference, instead pointing to the referees.

Nevertheless, the team’s performances have consequently come under scrutiny, with former Real Madrid star and La Liga icon Santiago Canizares offering his assessment on COPE (via SPORT).

Strong criticism of Vinicius Jr. and Marc Cucurella

The former Real Madrid goalkeeper was also highly critical of Vinicius Jr.’s current performances.

The Brazilian is now one of the club captains, but Canizares believes his contribution has been insufficient.

Vinicius has been poor this season. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“He’s a player who, at the moment, and especially with the captain’s armband, I think takes much more away than he gives,” he said.

Canizares also questioned the form of Real Madrid summer signing, Marc Cucurella, arguing that the left-back has not reproduced the level he showed with Spain.

“He isn’t the player we saw at the World Cup,” the former shot-stopper stated.

The former goalkeeper was nevertheless keen to distinguish Cucurella’s current form from his overall quality, saying:

“I’m not questioning him because his ability is beyond doubt, but he isn’t currently the player we saw at the World Cup, at the Euros or with the Spanish national team in general.”

Canizares backs Real Madrid’s complaints

Meanwhile, Canizares also addressed the refereeing decisions made by Ortiz Arias, particularly two challenges involving Real Madrid players that could have resulted in red cards, saying:

“Mourinho is right. Madrid supporters are right that the referee did not help them.”

However, the former goalkeeper identified what he considers to be a broader issue with the club’s sporting planning.

Canizares criticised the fee paid for Yan Diomande. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

He pointed to the failed attempt to sign Rodri, the decision to spend more than €140 million on Yan Diomande and the renewal of Vinicius.

Canizares was particularly critical of the fee paid for Diomande, as he said: “He’s a good player, but they paid twice what he’s worth.”

He added that, in his view, the deal was connected to negotiations involving Vinicius and his representatives.

“It was a price that had to be paid for Vinícius’ representatives to say yes to the Vinícius offer,” he said.

Cañizares’ comments come as Real Madrid look to respond to their difficult start and address a number of concerns surrounding Mourinho’s squad once the international break is over.