Real Madrid coach Ancelotti praises Kylian Mbappe as ‘the best centre-forward in the world’
Carlo Ancelotti hailed Kylian Mbappe as “the best centre-forward in the world” after the France captain scored twice in Real Madrid’s 4-1 win over Las Palmas this afternoon.
Mbappe mainly played on the left side of a three-man attack at previous club Paris Saint-Germain, but has had to adapt to a new role in Spain.
He hasn’t always looked entirely comfortable, but Ancelotti believes he is now starting to show his best form after his performance today brought four goals in three games.
9️⃣ @KMbappe 9️⃣ #LaLigaHighlights | #RealMadridLasPalmas pic.twitter.com/gQ9DWSSQky
— Real Madrid CF 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 19, 2025
The Italian said: “He is the best centre-forward in the world. There were doubts whether he could play there or whether he would be better on the left side. He is a great striker, he is very good in the center, more than on the wing, his running is unique and he can use it better inside.”
Madrid goes to the top
The win moved Madrid two points clear at the top of La Liga, but it wasn’t easy as Las Palmas surprisingly took the lead in the first minute through Fabio Silva.
Mbappe equalized from the penalty spot after Sandro Ramirez was adjudged to have fouled Rodrygo.
Brahim Diaz put the home side ahead before Mbappe made it 3-1 with his 12th goal of the season. Rodrygo added a fourth 12 minutes into the second half and Las Palmas ran out of steam long before Benito Ramirez was sent off for a bad tackle on Lucas Vazquez.
The final result could have been much more pronounced with Madrid having three goals disallowed for offside, while Jude Bellingham missed plenty of opportunities.
Difficult week, admits Ancelotti
It was a good end to a week that started with a 5-2 defeat by Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup and included a 5-2 extra-time Copa del Rey victory over Celta Vigo in midweek.
Ancelotti added: “It was a tough week, like any other when you get hit. When you lose a Clásico, of course it’s more difficult, but in difficult times the only way to overcome it is to be self-critical and positive.
“We are able to have a balance between good times and difficult times. I think the criticism is harsher with Madrid than with other teams, yes. There are critics and there are some, the whistles are the criticisms that hurt, the fans are the ones who are not happy, and that motivates. It’s a wake-up call.”
A good day for Madrid was made even sweeter by the return of defender David Alaba after 399 days on the sidelines due to injury. Austrian Alaba entered the last 14 minutes instead of Antonio Rudiger.
