That's the way to deux it

He is clearly proving to be a menace to deal with for defenses all over Europe at the moment, and in an interview with Marca published this week, Dutch former Madrid midfielder Wesley Sneijder is already tipping the French star for Ballon d'Or contention.

"With the way it's going now, I'm pretty sure Mbappe will win it next season, 100 percent," he told the Spanish sports daily.

"Besides, he's become a true striker; he performs better than he did on the wing. Real doesn't need a player like (Erling) Haaland," he added.

He also addressed the reported rift between Alonso and Vinicius, which has been bubbling since the latter reacted angrily to being subbed off during Madrid's Clasico victory on Oct 26, and led to the Brazilian supposedly telling club bosses that he was reluctant to renew his contract.

"If you're a good coach, you'll know how to handle this," Sneijder said. "Tell him: 'Vini, listen. It's not right. Don't ever do it again. For now, it's ok, but not in the next game. I have all my confidence in you, but there are times I have to take you off.'"

Hence, all eyes were trained on the touchline when Vinicius' number was displayed on the electronic board in the 78th minute.

Alonso, however, got a warm embrace from Vinicius as he left the field, suggesting there has been a thaw in their frosty standoff.

Meanwhile, Athletic defender Inigo Lekue was left to mull his side's fortunes, as it sits in eighth place and has only two wins in its last eight matches.

"They were stronger than us," he admitted. "We tried to play our game and couldn't, no matter what we did."

AGENCIES