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 primarily 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 completely comfortable, but Ancelotti believes he is now starting to show his best form after today’s haul saw him score four goals in three games.
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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’s a great striker, he’s very good in the middle more than on the wings, 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 was not straightforward, with Las Palmas taking a surprise lead in the first minute through Fabio Silva.
Bape equalized from the penalty spot after Sandro Ramirez was adjudged to have fouled Rodrigo.
Brahim Diaz put the hosts ahead before Bape’s 12th goal of the season made it 3-1. Rodrigo added a fourth 12 minutes into the second half and Las Palmas were well on their way before Benito Ramirez was sent off for a bad challenge on Lucas Vazquez.
The final scoreline could have been much more emphatic with Madrid having three goals disallowed for offside and Jude Bellingham missing a number of chances.
Difficult week, admits Ancelotti
It was a fine end to a week that started with a 5-2 drubbing 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’s been a tough week, like any other week when you get beaten. When you lose the Clásico it’s 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 on Madrid than other teams, yes. There is criticism and there is criticism, whistles are criticisms that hurt, fans 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 out with injury. Austrian Alaba came on in the last 14 minutes in place of Antonio Rudiger.
