Last Updated:
Ilicic opined that Mbappe will never be able to match the legacy of Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid, while also expressing his discontent over Mbappe’s role in the current Real Madrid squad.
Kylian Mbappe. (Image: AP)
Atalanta legend Josip Ilicic has voiced his concerns over Kylian Mbappe’s form at Real Madrid. When Mbappe joined the LaLiga giants earlier this summer, many fans saw him as a successor to Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese legend achieved tremendous success at Real Madrid and remains the club’s all-time top scorer. Mbappe who idolises Ronaldo hasn’t had the best start at the Spanish capital. He may have found the net 11 times in his 21 matches but his performance in some big games was quite underwhelming. Going by his inconsistency, Ilicic feels Mbappe will never be able to match the legacy of Ronaldo who struck 450 goals for Real Madrid.
During an interview with AS, the Slovenian forward also expressed his discontent over Mbappe’s role in the current Real Madrid squad. According to Ilicic, Mbappe might have been forced to play as a striker, with Vinicius Jr operating from the left flank.
“I think there is a fundamental error. In Mbappe’s role, there’s already a player at Madrid who almost won the Ballon d’Or. And they had to adapt Mbappe as a centre forward. I don’t see him doing well there. You can tell he’s always looking to open up where Vini is. And honestly, I expected that. He is suffering a lot as a striker, he has less space and little support to free himself,” Ilicic told AS.
“Then add enormous pressure and expectations to this. People expected to see him do what Cristiano did and that is impossible. Messi and he were from another planet. In France, moreover, he felt more defended. In Madrid, the expectations are something else. If you don’t score goals, you’re deemed worthless,” the 36-year-old added.
Mbappe scored in the last LaLiga appearance against Girona as Real Madrid registered a dominant 3-0 victory in the away fixture. Mbappe was impressive with his off-the-ball movements. He looked quite comfortable in the No. 9 role and spearheaded the forward line along with Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham.
Real Madrid now hold the second spot in the LaLiga standings and remain only two points behind table topper Barcelona. Los Blancos will next face Atalanta in an important Champions League game on Wednesday, December 11.
