Real Madrid boss Ancelotti lauds Kylian Mbappe as ‘the best centre forward in the world’

Madrid beat Las Palmas to go top of La Liga

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Kylian Mbappe

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 played predominantly on the left 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 brace today made it four goals in three games.

The Italian said: “He is the best centre 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 centre, more so than on the wing, his running is unique and he can take better advantage of it inside.”

Madrid go top

The win took Madrid two points clear at the top of La Liga but it was not straightforward with Las Palmas taking a surprise first-minute lead through Fabio Silva.

Mbappe equalised from the penalty spot after Sandro Ramirez was adjudged to have fouled 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 long before Benito Ramirez was sent off for a poor challenge on Lucas Vazquez.

The final scoreline could have been a lot more emphatic with Madrid having three goals ruled out for offside while Jude Bellingham missed a host of chances.

A difficult week, admits Ancelotti

It was a good end to a week that started with a 5-2 thrashing by Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup and included a 5-2 extra-time Copa del Rey win over Celta Vigo in midweek.

Ancelotti added: “It has been a difficult week, like all the others when you get hit. When you lose the Clásico it is more difficult, of course, but in difficult times the only way to get through it is to be self-critical and positive.

“We are capable of having a balance to have good moments and difficult moments. I think that the criticism is harsher with Madrid than with other teams, yes. There is criticism and there is criticism, the whistles are criticisms that hurt, it is the fans who are not happy, and that motivates. It is a wake-up call.”

A good day for Madrid was made even sweeter by the return of defender David Alaba after 399 days out of action through injury. Austrian Alaba came on for the last 14 minutes in place of Antonio Rudiger.

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Picture of Jon Fisher

Jon Fisher

Jon has over 20 years' experience in sports journalism having worked at the Press Association, Goal and Stats Perform, covering three World Cups, an Olympics and numerous other major sporting events.

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