Carlo Ancelotti hailed Kylian Mbappe as “the best player in the world” after the France captain scored twice in Real Madrid’s 4-1 win over Las Palmas this afternoon.

Mbappe played mainly on the left side of a three-man front at previous club Paris Saint-Germain but had to adapt to a new role in Spain.

He has not always been comfortable, but Ancelotti believes he is now showing his best form after his squad today made it four goals in three games.

9️⃣ @KMbappe 9️⃣ #LaLigaHighlights | | #RealMadridLasPalmas pic.twitter.com/gQ9DWSSQky

– Real Madrid CF 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 19, 2025

The Italian said: “He is the best striker in the world. There were doubts whether he could play there or if he would be better on the left. He is a very good player, he is better in the middle, than on the wings, his speed is special and he can use it well inside.”

Madrid to the top

The win moved Madrid two points clear at the top of La Liga but it was not straightforward with Las Palmas taking a surprise lead in the first minute through Fabio Silva.

Mbappe equalized after Sandro Ramirez was adjudged to have fouled Rodrygo.

Brahim Diaz gave the home side the lead before Mbappe scored his 12th goal of the season to make it 3-1. Rodrygo added 12 minutes into the second half and Las Palmas were all but gone before Benito Ramirez was sent off for a foul on Lucas Vazquez.

The final goal could have been more decisive as Madrid had three goals ruled out for offside as Jude Bellingham missed a number of chances.

A difficult week, admits Ancelotti

It was the perfect end to a week that started with a 5-2 defeat by Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup and included a 5-2 extra-time Copa del Rey win against Celta Vigo during the week.

Ancelotti added: “It’s been a difficult week, like any other when you’re beaten. When you lose a Clásico it’s difficult, of course, but in difficult times the only way to get through it is to criticize yourself and be optimistic.

“We can have limits to have good and difficult moments. I think criticism is more difficult with Madrid than with other teams, yes. There is criticism and there is criticism, whistles and criticisms that hurt, and fans who are not happy, and they encourage. It’s time waking up.”

A good day in Madrid was sweetened by the return of defender David Alaba after 399 days out of action due to injury. Austrian Alaba came on for the last 14 minutes in place of Antonio Rudiger.