Mourinho’s nickname for Real Madrid hero Carlos Espí after Espanyol impact

Carlos Espi may have only recently arrived at Real Madrid , but the young striker has already made a telling impact at the club, and it appears Jose Mourinho has found a special way of describing his new protege.

After Espi emerged as one of Real Madrid's heroes in the match against Espanyol , Mourinho used his post-match press conference to explain the tactical thinking behind the youngster's introduction.

In doing so, the Real Madrid manager revealed the nickname he has already given the 1.94-metre forward: " El gigante " (the giant).

It is a nickname that perfectly sums up Espi's physical profile and the role Mourinho believes he can play for Real Madrid.

The former Levante striker offers a very different option in attack, and his appearance against Espanyol showed exactly why the Portuguese coach sees value in having him available.

Why Espi was introduced against Espanyol

Carlos Espi scored the winning goal vs Espanyol. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Speaking about the decision to bring Espi into the game, Mourinho pointed to the difficulties Kylian Mbappé was facing as Real Madrid searched for a breakthrough.

Mbappe had begun dropping deeper in an attempt to collect possession and create individual situations, looking to take on defenders and unlock the opposition himself.

Mourinho felt a more physical presence could change the dynamic and help stretch the Espanyol defence. Hence, Espi was brought on to provide precisely that.

"Kylian (Mbappe), already at his wits' end, was trying to drop back, get the ball and create a one-on-one situation, trying to beat one or two players.

"I thought Carlos could be important there to pin the opponent in place. With Trent on the pitch, the quality of crosses improves massively too, and having 'the giant' there could also be a solution," said the manager.

Mourinho has a nickname for Carlos Espi. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Mourinho summed up that idea with his newly revealed nickname, referring to Espi simply as "the giant."

The relationship between Mourinho and Espi has developed since the striker arrived at Real Madrid.

The pair even live in the same residence complex in Valdebebas, creating an unusually close connection between the manager and his young forward despite the fact that they have known each other for only a relatively short period.

That proximity has seemingly helped Mourinho understand the player's personality and qualities quickly.

Espi has also been able to learn closely from one of football's most experienced managers as he begins the next stage of his career.