Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has dismissed the idea that Kylian Mbappe is not the central forward they need.
The French striker has been struggling with knee issues since December, but there has been a narrative claiming that the combination of Vinicius Junior and Mbappe brings more structural issues.
The main narrative before their clash with Benfica in the Champions League centered around the ongoing investigation into racist abuse allegedly directed at Vinicius Junior by Gianluca Prestiani. However, on Monday, Barcelona President Joan Laporta claimed that the biggest scandal in Spanish football is not the Negreira case, but the fact that Real Madrid fans have been choosing referees for the past 70 years in the CTA.
“As you say, I’m not going to comment on candidate Laporta’s words. For me, the biggest scandal is that the Negreira case remains unresolved,” Arbeloa responded.
After a discreet performance in Pamplona this weekend, there had been some suggestions that Mbappe is not fully fit after his knee problems. He missed their previous La Liga match against Real Sociedad and did not shine in Lisbon either.
“Ready to play tomorrow, which is the most important thing right now (smiles). It’s been several weeks… everyone knows that, but I want to highlight his effort and commitment. He tries to help us on the field. He’s a game-changer, and defenders know he can decide a match with any action. He’s ready for tomorrow, and I’m sure he’ll have a great game.”
Previously in his career, Mbappe has often preferred to play off the left side with a classic number nine to work with. At Real Madrid, he has become the focal point, but some have suggested that it doesn’t suit him.
“I don’t think his problem is scoring goals. Not scoring, nor how he does it. You make decisions on the pitch, and if I had to highlight his qualities, he’s very intelligent. He knows exactly where to move. There will be times to create chances inside the box and others outside. But Kylian knows perfectly well what he has to do on the pitch, and you only have to look at his stats to understand that he does it well.”
Mbappe’s record of 38 goals and six assists in 33 appearances certainly seems to put that question beyond doubt, but his detractors have pointed out that the last two times Real Madrid played with a traditional number nine, Gonzalo Garcia, they scored nine goals against Real Sociedad and Real Betis.
