‘Best centre forward in the world’ – Kylian Mbappe silences left wing doubters as Carlo Ancelotti explains what makes Real Madrid Galactico ‘unique’

The World Cup winner forged his reputation as a jet-heeled left winger that was able to race past opponents down the flanks and drift inside onto his right foot. Said talents were showcased at Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain, while also starring for France.

After several years of speculation, La Liga giants Real made Mbappe another ‘Galactico’ at Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2024. The presence of Vinicius Junior in the Spanish capital was always going to force the Frenchman into a central striking berth.

Mbappe was handed Real’s No.9 shirt, but initially struggled to get to grips with that position. He has now found the target on 10 occasions through his last 14 appearances, with a brace recorded in a 4-1 victory over Las Palmas.

Ancelotti told reporters after that contest, with Mbappe fully adjusted to a role that he is becoming an elite operator in: “He is the best centre forward in the world, there were doubts about whether he could play there or whether he would be better on the left. He is a great striker, he is very good in the centre, more so than on the wing, his running is unique and he can take better advantage of it inside.”

Real will be hoping to see Mbappe’s purple patch continue when facing RB Salzburg in Champions League action on Wednesday. If impressive standards can be maintained, then the 26-year-old may come back into contention for Ballon d’Or recognition in 2025.