Carlo Ancelotti hailed Kylian Mbappe as the “best centre-forward in the world” after the French captain scored twice in Real Madrid’s 4-1 win over Las Palmas this afternoon.
Mbappe played mainly on the left of a three-man attack at former 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 brace today made it four goals in three games.
9️⃣ @KMbappe 9️⃣ #LaLigaHighlights | #RealMadridLasPalmas pic.twitter.com/gQ9DWSSQky
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The Italian said: “He is the best center forward in the world. There were doubts about whether he could play there or whether he would be better on the left. He is a great striker, he is very good in the center, more than on the wing, his running is unique and he can take advantage of it better inside.
Madrid in the lead
The win put Madrid two points clear at the top of La Liga, but it wasn’t easy as Las Palmas took a surprise lead in the first minute through Fabio Silva.
Mbappe equalized from the penalty spot after Sandro Ramirez was charged with fouling Rodrygo.
Brahim Diaz put the home side ahead before Mbappe’s 12th goal of the season made it 3-1. Rodrygo added a fourth 12 minutes into the second half and Las Palmas ran out of steam well before Benito Ramirez was sent off for a poor challenge on Lucas Vazquez.
The final score could have been much more emphatic, with Madrid having three goals ruled out for offside while Jude Bellingham missed numerous chances.
A difficult week, admits Ancelotti
It was a good end to a week that began with a 5-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup and included a 5-2 Copa del Rey extra-time win over Celta Vigo in midweek.
Ancelotti added: “It has been a difficult week, like any other when you are affected. When you lose the Clasico it is of course more difficult, but in difficult times the only way to get through it is to be self-critical and positive.
“We are able to have a balance of having good times and difficult times. I think the criticism is harsher against Madrid than against other teams, yes. There are critics and there are critics, the whistles are criticisms that hurt, it’s the fans who are not happy, and that motivates. This is a wake-up call. »
A good day for Madrid was made even sweeter with the return of defender David Alaba after 399 days out due to injury. The Austrian Alaba came on in the last 14 minutes in place of Antonio Rudiger.
