MADRID: Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was delighted with Kylian Mbappe’s display as the France forward struck twice in a 4-1 win over Las Palmas that lifted the champions to the top of La Liga.
The Italian manager said he never doubted the 26-year-old’s ability to play as the main striker even though Mbappe had a slow start in Madrid since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain.
“Mbappe is the best center forward in the world, there is no doubt about his ability to play in that position.
“He is a great striker who is very good in the middle (of attack), compared to the wings, because that way he can exploit his unique runs, with speed and technique,” said Ancelotti.
After a tough week that saw Real suffer a stifling 5-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup and a 5-2 extra-time win over Celta Vigo to reach the quarter-finals of the King of Spain’s Cup, Real were shocked with a 25-second goal by Las Palmas.
However, with Mbappe’s help, they recovered and took advantage of Atletico Madrid’s 1-0 defeat at Leganes on Saturday to return to the top of the league.
Real are now top of La Liga on 46 points, two ahead of neighbors Madrid, with Barcelona in third seven points behind after being tied 1-1 by Getafe.