Karim Benzema says Real Madrid need to provide support for Kylian Mbappe to allow him to profit more in front of goal.
Mbappe joined Madrid ahead of the 2024-25 season and enjoyed a record-breaking debut campaign in which he netted 43 goals in all competitions.
This term, including the Club World Cup, the Frenchman has already scored 19 goals, at least 13 more than any Madrid player, while he averages a goal every 80.7 minutes.
Mbappe also tops the charts for shots (90) and big chances (26), of which he has scored 16, boasting a 21.2% conversion rate.
Benzema, who played for Madrid between 2009 and 2023, has been impressed by what he has seen from his compatriot, but believes he can continue to improve with more communication from the players around him.
“He is much better; scoring goals is not news to him,” Benzema told AS. “At PSG, he did it, and at Real Madrid, he is going to score goals, many more.
“There will be games in which Mbappe is not going to touch the ball. What we expect from Kylian is that when he has one, the goal. Real Madrid is like that.
“Real Madrid need him a lot and there are games in which you have to score goals like against Atletico Madrid, Liverpool… They are teams that get behind and have to appear, work on those situations.
“He has to combine with Vinicius [Junior]. I think Vinicius, Mbappe, Rodrygo, although he doesn’t play much, [Jude] Bellingham… they have to speak.
“One is there to score goals, another to give assists. We are not going to tell Bellingham to score goals because that’s what Mbappe is for, nor to him to be the number 10 because that’s Bellingham. They have to talk.
“He is better, but he has to focus more on these moments when Real Madrid need him because they have everything to do it.”
Benzema also played alongside current Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso for Los Blancos, winning one LaLiga title and triumphing in the Champions League.
The Frenchman is impressed with the work Alonso has already done, with Madrid currently top of LaLiga, and was not surprised by his transition into coaching.
“I remember when we played together, and it’s the same now as a coach. Pressure, vertical passes… a game that I like,” Benzema said.
“He’s only been in it for six months, and he’s doing great.”