Karim Benzema has advised Kylian Mbappe to learn to play as a centre-forward at Real Madrid. As he struggles to fill the role alongside Vinicius Junior football.
Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid after his contract with PSG expired in July has scored eight goals in 14 appearances for his new club. But has found the net just once in his last five games.
The 25-year-old’s preferred position is left wing. But Carlo Ancelotti still keeps Vinicius in that area, forcing Mbappe to play centrally.UFABET
“In my opinion, the problem is that (Mbappe) is not a centre-forward, not even with the national team. Every time he plays as a number nine. It doesn’t feel right because that’s not his position,” Benzema told Spanish TV show El Chiringuito.
“On the left, he has a player of his level, Vinicius. So the problem is that you can’t play Vinicius. As a number nine or on the right because when he plays on the left. He makes the difference every game.”
“Mbappe is not a real No. 9. People ask too much from him and he is under a lot of pressure. This is not Paris Saint-Germain.”
Benzema also advised Mbappe to “not give up because I don’t think he will push Vinicius to change places. He is the best player in the world right now.”
“Mbappe has to make himself understand that today. He is a number 9 and forget about being a left winger.”
Benzema has also recalled how he struggled in his first season at Real Madrid. Having joined from Lyon in the summer of 2009, and was left out of favour ahead of Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain.
‘It’s different, I’m 21, he’s 25, it’s not the same. But he knows it’s different at Real Madrid, if you don’t score in two or three games they kill you. He can win the Ballon d’Or as well and three games later. He has to learn to live with that and put even more pressure on himself. Every game is new and he has to score goals because that’s what they’ve brought him in for. (The pressure at Madrid) is intense. ‘