“This isn’t PSG”: Former Real Madrid star Benzema advises Mbappe to adapt to playing as a number nine, while Vinicius is expected to remain on the left wing.

MADRID, Nov 5 — Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema believes Kylian Mbappe needs to learn how to play as a central striker in Madrid since he cannot replace Vinicius Junior on the left wing.

After joining Real Madrid this summer following his time at Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappe has struggled to find his best form under coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Ancelotti has kept Vinicius in his preferred left-wing position, forcing Mbappe, who usually plays on the left, to take on a central role.

Benzema stated on the Spanish television show El Chiringuito late Monday, “The issue is that Mbappe isn’t a natural central striker. Whenever he plays as a number nine, he doesn’t feel comfortable because that’s not his position. On the left, he faces competition from Vinicius, who is at the same level. You can’t put Vinicius as a number nine or on the right; he’s impactful when he plays on the left.”

He added, “Mbappe isn’t a true number nine. He faces high expectations and pressure, and this isn’t Paris Saint-Germain.”

Since moving from PSG, the 25-year-old has scored eight goals in 14 appearances across all competitions.

Benzema, who won the Ballon d’Or with Real Madrid in 2022 before joining Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad last year, advised Mbappe to keep working hard to adjust to his new role.

He said, “Don’t give up. I don’t think he can convince Vinicius to move—he’s currently the best player in the world. Mbappe must accept that he’s a number nine now and set aside thoughts of playing on the left for a while.”

Having played for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2023, Benzema warned Mbappe that “if you go two or three games without scoring, you’re going to encounter a lot of problems.”

Real Madrid is set to face AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday.