Following Kylian Mbappe's match-winning display resulted in a vital 3-2 win for Real Madrid over Leganes on Sunday (IST), Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti made it clear that he feels that Mbappe can become a legendary player for the club, as Cristiano Ronaldo became.
Mbappe's double in the game brought his tally to 33 in total competitions this campaign, matching Ronaldo's record when he scored in his first La Liga season in 2009/10. Only Ivan Zamorano has scored more than them in their inaugural season at Real Madrid with 37 goals in the 1992/93 season.
It is to be noted that Ronaldo's maiden season came against a less demanding football schedule compared to the modern era. Ronaldo achieved his 33-goal plateau, along with 10 assists, in as many as 35 matches, while Mbappe has already reached 44 fixtures for Los Blancos this campaign, with the business end of the season yet to come.
It is hard to compare players from various periods. I wish he could do what Cristiano Ronaldo did at Real Madrid. He is capable of that and that indicates he is on his way to becoming a club legend like Cristiano," Ancelotti said in a press conference.
Real Madrid then turns attention to their next Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Real Sociedad. Having an advantage of a slim 1-0 lead from the first leg through the rising star Endrick's goal, Ancelotti has a special chance to etch history as the first coach to have won Spain's top domestic cup three times.
"That's a motivation for me, but above all, the chance to go to a final is what motivates me, the players, and the club. We are very close, and the backing of our fans, coupled with our narrow advantage from the first leg, provides us with even more motivation," he added.
Read also| Hamilton Claps Back at Critics Following Ferrari Sprint Victory
