Kylian Mbappé is on a small cloud. Arrived in Madrid in July 2024, the former Paris Saint-Germain striker seems, finally, in full possession of his means. After a mixed first season where the French international (92 selections, 52 goals) will have shone individually (44 goals and 5 assists in 59 matches in all competitions), failing to convince collectively, Le Bondynois began this new exercise in the best way. Scorer and passer, this Saturday, during the victory of his family against Real Sociedad (2-1), the number 10 of the Merengues thus totals 4 goals and 1 offering in 4 Liga games. Statistics confirming its excellent dynamics in the Casa Blanca jersey.
Ancelotti greets the Mbappé mentality
Questioned by the daily The teamhis former coach Carlo Ancelotti, now on the bench of the Brazilian selection, did not seem to be surprised by the current success of French, even promising an even more prolific season for the right -hander of 1m78. “I believe that its second season will be better because it is suitable and its partners know it well”assured the Mister. Relaunched on his collaboration with KM10 last season, the 66 -year -old coach also stressed the very good mentality of his former protégé.
“In a year, Mbappé never asked me, nor to draw the penalties, to play, to not play, to hit the free kicks … nothing. He always behaved well, with a lot of humility. And he signed a very high level season from a personal point of view, with 44 goals ”. An interview also allowing the ex-Tactician of Everton to justify the number 9 position of Mbappé under the Madrid colors. “In my eyes, Mbappé is a center-forward. This is where he best expresses his qualities. It is fast, technical, skillful, capable of dazzling sequences in small spaces. It must therefore be close to the goal. On one side, it will have the same qualities, of course, but it will mark less I think. The intensity in football has further increased in recent seasons and the physical requirement of those who play on one side is much higher than a few years ago. We always ask for more efforts from those who evolve on the side. For Mbappé, it is therefore preferable to be at the point ».
Mbappé Best in 9?
In view of the start of the season made by the Habs, difficult to prove Carlo Ancelotti, who also took advantage of this media outing to defend the former Monegasque, often criticized for his lack of defensive yield. “It is not that he does not like to defend. It's just that a player like him, with his characteristics, he is asked above all to mark ”. As much seduced by the qualities of the player as by the man, the Italian finally concluded his remarks by ensuring that the arrival of Kylian Mbappé in Real Madrid was “A very good thing”.
“After the departure of (Karim) Benzema (in 2023), Real took Joselu, who was good when he played. But a club like Real needs a center-forward like Mbappé. As Benzema was. As was (Emilio) Butragueno. Of a center-forward from Real Madrid. I insist, but at the start of the past season, no one imagined that we were going to lose on as long durations of the players as irreplaceable as Carvajal. You can replace it from a technical point of view, yes. But you will never be able to replace what it represents in the locker room ”. Now 100% physically and mentally released, Kylian Mbappé will try to confirm his incredible yield since the recovery. Next meeting? Olympique de Marseille on Tuesday evening, on the first day of the Champions League. The Phocaeans have something to tremble …
