Nicolas Anelka flies to the aid of Kylian Mbappé

Nicolas Anelka, the former striker for the France team and Real Madrid, knows better than anyone the difficulty of breaking into Madrid for a French striker, he who had a difficult year in 1999 arriving with star status in from Arsenal. On RMC, Anelka therefore gave his opinion on the complicated beginnings of Kylian Mbappé in the Spanish club. Since his arrival this summer, the French international has struggled to find his place, particularly after a disappointing performance against Liverpool, and despite a goal this Sunday against Getafe. Anelka believes, however, that “it is not alarming”, emphasizing: “Patience is needed. It's not easy for him, it's his first experience abroad. He arrives at a club which has won everything. They don't necessarily need him this year. »

Anelka understands Mbappé's struggles in nine

Anelka also believes that the difficulty lies in adapting to a number 9 position, very different from that of a winger: “The problem is that everyone thinks that for a winger, it is easy to become a number 9. But that's a completely different position. When you play 9, you constantly have your back to the goal with two guys on you. We ask him, by changing club, country, stadium, to become a number 9 in three-four months. This is not possible. You don’t respect the position of 9.”

Comparing Mbappé's current situation to his own experience at Real in 1999, Anelka also confides: “When I see Mbappé and what he is going through, I see myself 25 years ago. The president pushed for me to come. A team was already in place, I didn't really have room. I had the same difficulties. » However, he distinguishes the personalities: “Kylian has a different character. He can agree to wait. » According to him, Mbappé therefore has the qualities to succeed, but time and experience are essential: “Cristiano Ronaldo, when he arrives at Real, is a winger. Then, with age, he became 9. But we are talking about Ronaldo after five years at Real. Patience is required. » In conclusion, Anelka remains optimistic and calls for supporting Mbappé in this period of adaptation.

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