Karim Benzema on Kylian Mbappé’s Role at Real Madrid
In a recent interview with Diario AS, Karim Benzema emphasized the importance of Kylian Mbappé stepping up in crucial matches for Real Madrid. Having enjoyed an illustrious 14-year tenure with the Spanish club before transferring to Al Ittihad in July 2023, Benzema, a former teammate of Mbappé on the French national team, expressed his belief in Mbappé’s significant abilities.
“He’s incredibly talented; scoring is second nature to him. He did it with Paris Saint-Germain, and at Real Madrid, he will undoubtedly add to that tally,” Benzema stated.
Mbappé’s Impact and Expectations
Kylian Mbappé, now 26, has made a remarkable impact at Madrid, netting 43 goals across all competitions and earning the title of top scorer in LaLiga during his inaugural season. This current season has seen him maintain his scoring prowess, achieving an impressive 18 goals in just 16 matches.
Benzema pointed out, however, that in order for Real Madrid to excel, especially in critical moments, Mbappé needs to elevate his game even further.
“He must remain concentrated during pivotal moments, particularly when the team requires him. He possesses all the qualities necessary to deliver, and there will be matches where he might not touch the ball often. Our expectation is that when the opportunity arises, he capitalizes on it. This is the essence of Real Madrid. We rely heavily on him for scoring, especially in encounters against strong defenses like Atlético Madrid and Liverpool,” he noted.
Team Dynamics and Communication
Moreover, Benzema discussed the need for effective communication among teammates, particularly between Mbappé, Vinícius, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham.
“Each player has specific roles; Bellingham isn’t meant to focus solely on scoring, as that responsibility lies with Mbappé. Thus, they need to align on the field to maximize their effectiveness,” he suggested.
Benzema’s Future in Football
As for Benzema’s current situation, he shared that he is enjoying his time playing in the Saudi league and has left the door open for a potential extension beyond his contract that runs until June 2026.
“While my contract is expiring, I cannot definitively say if I will stay or move on. A lot will depend on various factors,” the 2022 Ballon d’Or recipient explained, adding that he envisions himself playing for at least another two years, citing his physical fitness and passion for the game.
“The level of football in the league is continually improving, which makes staying here a viable option, but I won’t continue just for the sake of it. I want to have meaningful contributions,” he remarked.
