Salva: Vini Jr wouldn't be behaving as he is if Hierro was Real Madrid captain

Salva: Vini Jr wouldn't be behaving as he is if Hierro was Real Madrid captain

Former Atletico Madrid and Sevilla striker Salva Ballesta says Vinicius Jr is missing leadership inside the Real Madrid dressing room.

The Brazil attacker's wobbler during victory over Barcelona on Sunday has sparked controversy inside the Spanish game.0

Real Madrid's win was marred by Vinicius Jr's strop after being substituted by coach Xabi Alonso on 72 minutes. The Brazilian has since publicly and privately apologised for his actions, though significantly did not mention Xabi in his statement released on Wednesday.

Asked about the meltdown, Salva insists the issue is a lack of geunine leaders now inside the Spanish game.

He told Sevilla's website: “Before, we stuck together, we’d get together for a drink, we shared the good times and the bad. Today, that’s been lost. And, above all, there’s a lack of leaders.

"Before, you had (Fernando) Hierro, (Juan) MartagF3n, (Carles) Puyol… figures who showed the way. Vinicius, if he’d had Hierro by his side, wouldn’t be doing what he’s doing now."