Real Sociedad defender names the Real Madrid star who is harder to stop: ‘If I had to choose one…’ | OneFootball

Jon Martin is preparing for another demanding visit to the Santiago Bernabeu, with the Real Sociedad centre-back fully aware of the attacking quality Real Madrid can throw at him.

The 20-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most talented young Spanish central defenders in La Liga.

He had an excellent 2025-26 season that caught everyone’s attention and will be hoping to build on it for the Basque club.

Speaking to MARCA ahead of the clash, the 20-year-old discussed Jose Mourinho’s Madrid, the challenge of defending Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, and his admiration for Carlos Espi.

Martin expects a difficult night at the Bernabeu

The Sociedad defender did not attempt to hide the challenge that awaited him and his team at the Bernabeu.

“Real Madrid are Real Madrid, one of the best teams, and they are always difficult to face, especially at home at the Bernabeu, where the matches are always special,” Martin said.

He then had some words on Jose Mourinho, the returning Madrid manager.

“I usually focus on understanding what the coach I’m facing tends to propose. I know he is obviously a legend there and he will make it a very difficult match for us,” he explained.

Jon Martin is ready to take on Real Madrid. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Martin already knows the Bernabeu well despite his age, having visited four times across different competitions.

“The first few times you go onto a pitch like that and face a team like Madrid, it gives you a little respect. But once the match starts, all of that disappears and you focus on what happens on the pitch,” he revealed.

Carlos Espi earns praise

The defender also discussed Madrid’s summer spending and singled out Carlos Espi, whom he already knows from Spain’s youth teams and from facing him at Levante.

“I know Espi from the national youth categories and from playing against him last year. I think he is a great player and also a great person,” he said.

Espi made the headlines after scoring Madrid’s winning goal against Espanyol in their first La Liga encounter.

Despite not being a starter, the Spaniard has shown that he has the quality to change games from the bench, which is exactly what Los Blancos would want from him.

Mbappe gets the edge over Vinicius

Martin was also asked who is harder to stop between Mbappe and Vinicius.

“Both are difficult,” he said.

Jon Martin picks Mbappe as Real Madrid’s biggest threat. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“If I had to choose one, I would probably say Mbappe because he plays closer to me, more as a striker, and because of the space and his one-on-one ability,” he continued.

He also acknowledged the depth of Madrid’s attack.

“Real Madrid fight for La Liga and for every trophy, so they have to have players of that level,” he concluded.

Martin’s words are exactly what Mourinho’s team are dreaming of this season, which is bringing all possible silverware back to the Bernabeu.

Two trophyless seasons at Madrid are almost unacceptable, and there is a reason Florentino Perez has gone all out in appointing Jose Mourinho and making all the signings this summer.

Hansi Flick’s Barcelona have established an era of dominance domestically in the last couple of seasons, and there is no manager better suited than Mourinho to uproot it.

It remains to be seen how Madrid play this season and whether they are able to displace Barça and reclaim the domestic honours in the coming months.