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Carlo Ancelotti has 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.
Mbappé primarily played on the left of an attacking three 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.
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 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, rather than on the wing, the his career is unique and he can make the most of it from within.”
Madrid goes up
The win took Madrid two points clear at the top of La Liga, but it wasn’t easy with Las Palmas taking a surprise lead in the first minute through Fabio Silva.
Mbappé equalized from the penalty spot after Sandro Ramírez was adjudged to have fouled Rodrygo.
Brahim Diaz put the hosts ahead before Mbappé’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 Ramírez was sent off for a bad challenge on Lucas Vázquez.
The final scoreline could have been much more emphatic as Madrid had three goals ruled out for offside, while Jude Bellingham missed many chances.
A difficult week, recognizes Ancelotti
It was a fine end to a week that started with a 5-2 thrashing of Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup and included a 5-2 extra-time Copa del Rey victory over Celta Vigo in mid week
Ancelotti added: “It’s been a difficult week, like all the others when you get beaten. When you lose the Classic it is more difficult, of course, but in difficult times the only way to overcome it is to be self-critical and positive.
“We are able to have a balance to have good times and difficult times. I think the criticism is harsher with Madrid than with other teams, yes. There’s criticism and there’s criticism, the whistles are criticism that hurt, it’s the fans who aren’t 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 a 399-day injury lay-off. Austrian Alaba came on for the last 14 minutes in place of Antonio Rudiger.
