"It's true that this is not PSG" – Karim Benzema highlights main 'problem' for Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid
Al-Ittihad attacker Karim Benzema has suggested that Vinicius Junior is the reason behind Kylian Mbappe's comparatively slow start at Real Madrid.
Since joining Los Merengues on a Bosman move earlier this summer, Mbappe has struggled to replicate his Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) form. The 25-year-old forward has scored eight goals and laid out two assists in 14 total appearances for his new club so far this season.
During a recent interview with El Chiringuito TV, Benzema was asked to share his honest thoughts on his compatriot's performances for Real Madrid. He replied (h/t X/@MadridXtra):
"Mbappe has to put it in his head that he's now a number nine and forget the left. He has to interchange with Vini Jr. They have to interchange a lot as he's very, very, very good on the left, but now he has to be very good in another position on the pitch."
Benzema, who has played alongside Mbappe 14 times so far, continued:
"For me, he is not a number nine. He's a left winger. The problem is that at left wing, there is a boy who is like him. At the same level. Vinicius. And Vinicius, I think you can't put him at number nine or at the right because each game he makes the difference on the left. Mbappe is not a number nine. I understand that people ask for a lot and there is a lot of pressure and it's true that this is not PSG."
Last season, Mbappe relished a sensational campaign for PSG. He found the back of the opposition net a whopping 44 times in 48 total matches for the Parisians. He also provided 10 assists for his former club.
Vinicius, on the other hand, has maintained his fine form for Real Madrid this term. He has registered eight goals and seven assists in 15 overall games for them after producing 24 goals and 11 assists last season.
Real Madrid keen to snap up La Liga ace
According to Spanish website Fichajes.net, Real Madrid are interested in snapping up Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi. They are likely to face tough competition from Liverpool and Manchester City in the future.
On the other hand, Real Sociedad are aiming to lure Dani Ceballos away from Los Blancos on a loan transfer in the January transfer window.
Zubimendi, who was reportedly close to moving to Liverpool earlier this summer, is considered one of the best holding midfielders in Spain. The 25-year-old has made 202 appearances in all competitions for his club.