Former Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema praised Kylian Mbappé’s ability to score loads of goals for club and country in a recent interview with AS.
Benzema discussed various topics related to Real Madrid,
including his own future as a football player, Mbappé, and Xabi Alonso.
Talking about his countryman, Benzema compared Mbappé from this year to last year, while also talking about his role and what he needs to do with his teammates.
He said: “Mbappé is much better this season; scoring goals isn’t new to him. 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. Real Madrid need him a lot, and there are games where he has to score, like vs Atlético 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 Mbappé 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, Mbappé, Rodrygo (even though he doesn’t play much), Bellingham – they have to communicate.
“One is there to score goals, another to provide assists. We’re not going to tell Bellingham to score goals because that’s Mbappé’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.”
Benzema also talked about whether he supports Real Madrid, to which he said: “I still watch all Real Madrid matches.”
The Frenchman, who is achieving a lot with Al-Ettihad during his time in Saudi Arabia, was also asked about Alonso, and how well he is doing at Real Madrid, just six months into his new job.
He said: “His style of play is what I like. Pressure, vertical passes… I remember when I played with him, and he’s the same now as a coach. He’s only been here for six months, and he’s doing well.”
Finally, the Real Madrid legend lifted the lid on his plans for the future, and talked about how long he sees himself playing for.
He said: “I see myself playing football for another two years.”
