After scoring in four of his last five games, Kylian Mbappe has settled into the Real Madrid squad following a topsy-turvy start to life in the Spanish capital after moving to Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.
Being a World Cup winner and among the most decisive players in the world, Mbappe, 26, was expected to be the new leading light for Madrid’s generation of promising young players but failed to integrate himself into Carlo Ancelotti’s system at the start of the season.
Crucial missed penalties, against Liverpool in the Champions League and Athletic Club in La Liga, is where Mbappe ‘hit rock bottom’ and says the shock turned his form around.
“I took a lot of positives from the Bilbao (Athletic Club) game. I hit rock bottom,” he was quoted as saying by Reuters after Madrid’s 4-2 win over Sevilla, in which the Frenchman was on target. “I missed a penalty and I realised at that moment I have to give my all for this shirt and play with personality.”
“I can score a lot more, I know I have a lot more to give. The last few games I’ve played better,” Mbappe added.
Madrid boss Ancelotti has been supportive of Mbappe’s transition into the team, which the 26-year-old believes is now complete.
“I think we now know each other better. I’ve joined the team and that changed a lot of things. The settling-in period is over, as the coach says. I feel very comfortable in the team and I play better with the others on the pitch,” Mbappe said.
Why should you buy our Subscription?
You want to be the smartest in the room.
You want access to our award-winning journalism.
You don’t want to be misled and misinformed.
Choose your subscription package
