Former Real Madrid and France striker Karim Benzema has showered praise on Kylian Mbappe but insists his countryman needs more support from his teammates.
Mbappe started off his adventure as a Real Madrid player last season, emerging as the top goal-scorer in La Liga but they failed to land the title. The Frenchman has continued in similar fashion this season, already topping the scoring charts and has not shown any signs of complacency.
With 18 goals in 16 games, Mbappe has proved to be the most important player in the Spanish giant team.
However, Madrid needs to win a trophy this season after missing out on all major silverware last term and Benzema says it is up to the rest to step up and combine with Mbappe.
Vinicius Junior looks warms up alongside teammate Kylian Mbappe. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
“Mbappe is much better this season; scoring goals isn’t new to him,” Benzema said. “He did it at PSG, and at Real Madrid he’s going to score many more. What we expect from Kylian is that when he gets the chance, he’ll score it. That’s how Real Madrid is.”
Benzema also urged Mbappe to combine with Brazilian counterpart Vinicius Jr, saying: “Real Madrid need him a lot, and there are games where he has to score, like vs Atletico Madrid, Liverpool. These are teams that sit back, and he has to step up, work those situations. He has to combine with Vini Jr. Real Madrid is waiting for Mbappe for these moments, to bring home the Champions League. I think he can do it with the other players. He can’t do it alone. He needs Vini Jr, other players… that’s just how it is. I think Vini Jr, Mbappe, Rodrygo (even though he doesn’t play much), Bellingham… they have to communicate. One is there to score goals, another to provide assists.”
The former French international also had some words of advice for Jude Bellingham.
After a rough patch, Bellingham is slowly regaining his lost goal-scoring form, which is partly to be blamed to his shoulder injury and the tactical shift at Madrid under Alonso.
Benzema said: “We’re not going to tell Bellingham to score goals because that’s Mbappe’s job, nor are we going to tell him to be the number 10 because that’s Bellingham’s role. They need to talk. He’s now better, but he needs to focus more on these moments when Real Madrid needs him because he has everything he needs to do it.”
Real Madrid players will be back in action on November 23 when they take on Elche. They also have fixtures against Olympiacos (November 26), Girona (November 30) and Athletic Club (December 3).
