With Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior injured for the Champions League clash at Liverpool on Wednesday, superstar summer signing Kylian Mbappe will become their key attacking weapon.
The France captain has endured a tough start to life in the Spanish capital, on and off the pitch, but found the net for the first time in five matches at Leganes on Sunday in La Liga.
Mbappe was started on the left wing in his favoured role by coach Carlo Ancelotti for the first time and rewarded the Italian by opening the scoring at Butarque.
However the chance was created by Vinicius and with the Brazilian out for over three weeks, Mbappe will be responsible for stepping up and providing Madrid’s attacking edge in the games ahead, starting at Anfield.
Liverpool lead the Champions League group table with holders Madrid down in 18th after surprise defeats by Lille and AC Milan in their first four matches.
Vinicius hit four Champions League goals in those games while Mbappe has found the net just once in Europe.
While seven La Liga strikes in 12 appearances is not a bad record, Mbappe’s performances have left something to be desired given his superstar status.
The French forward, left out of his country’s squad in the last two international breaks, believes he is finding his footing slowly but surely.
“I think I put in a good performance, I’m starting to get up to speed with my team-mates,” Mbappe told Real Madrid TV after the win over Leganes that took the Spanish champions second in La Liga.
“I can play in every position and I’m ready to help the team and give my all…
“I play on the right, on the left, in the middle, and with two up top. It doesn’t matter to me. I want to help the team and score goals.”