Ancelotti praises Mbappe after Real Madrid’s 4-1 win

Real Madrid Manager, Carlo Ancelotti has lauded Kylian Mbappe’s performance after he scored twice in a 4-1 drubbing of visitors Las Palmas on Sunday.

The win lifted the defending champions to the top of the La Liga standings.

Ancelotti said that he was never in doubt that the 26-year-old forward was going to find his form despite a slow start in the club.

“Mbappe is the best centre forward in the world, there should be no doubts as to whether he could play in that position.

“He is a great striker who is very good playing in the centre, rather than on the wing; that way he can make the most of his unique runs, with speed and technique.”

Real Madrid had a tough week in which they were booed by their home fans after a 5-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup and an extra-time 5-2 win over Celta Vigo to advance to the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.

The hosts also started the game against Las Palmas with a scare, conceding 25 seconds after kick-off.

However, guided by an inspired Mbappe, they managed to fight back and took advantage of Atletico Madrid’s 1-0 loss at Leganes on Saturday.

The result meant they retook the lead in the league standings and encouraged Ancelotti ahead of the final stretch of the season.

“In times of difficulty, it is necessary to be self-critical and positive in order to move forward.

“There is criticism and criticism. The booing at the Santiago Bernabeu hurt, because the fans are not happy, but it motivates.

“It was a useful wake-up call for the team, who put in a good performance.

“Football is like that, but I’m still a bit confused because I’ve heard that we play very bad football but here we are, LaLiga leaders,”Ancelotti said.

Real Madrid are top on 46 points, two ahead of their local rivals Atletico Madrid in second, with third-placed Barcelona trailing by seven points after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Getafe.