“The problem is Vinicius Jr.” – Former Real Madrid man Karim Benzema takes subtle dig at Kylian Mbappe amidst poor run of form

Former Real Madrid man Karim Benzema claimed that Kylian Mbappe will have to accept that he isn't a No.9 to accommodate Vinicius Jr.

“The problem is Vinicius Jr.” – Former Real Madrid man Karim Benzema takes subtle dig at Kylian Mbappe amidst poor run of form

Karim Benzema thinks Mbappe isn't better than Vinicius Jr. at Real Madrid (Via GOAL & X/@MadridXtra)

Despite their good run of form in recent games, it is clear that Real Madrid have a ‘goal-scoring’ problem up front. Despite the arrival of Kylian Mbappe to the squad this season, complications in his position and contradictions with that of Vinicius Jr. have prevented the Frenchman from showing his true form. Recently, former French International and Ballon d’Or winner for Real – Karim Benzema – shared his take on the situation at the club.

Mbappe was far from his best as Real succumbed to a 4-0 defeat in the El Clasico. The Frenchman scored multiple goals but ended up empty-handed as VAR chalked them off. Despite his seven goals in all competitions, Karim Benzema didn’t refrain from comparing him with star man Vinicius Jr.

YouTube video

For me, Mbappe is not a 9, he’s a left winger. But the problem is that there’s Vinicius Jr. on the left and he’s the best in the world.

Karim Benzema told El Chiringuito TV

Fans have reacted in different ways to his comment, with a few agreeing to it. Others called out the former Madrid man for seemingly trying to bring down Mbappe’s confidence by suggesting that he isn’t ‘good enough’.

FS Video
RELATED
Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez tipped with Barcelona and Inter Milan ‘escape routes’ following Enzo Maresca snub
Enzo Fernandez for Chelsea

Karim Benzema defends Kylian Mbappe as goalless streak continues

Except for a solitary goal against Celta Vigo last month, Kylian Mbappe hasn’t scored for his club since the start of October. Games against Lille, Villarreal and Barcelona didn’t end well for the star as several fans mocked him on social media. As Madrid prepares to tackle AC Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu, Benzema has come forward to back the player.

Kylian Mbappe for Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe has come under criticism for his lack of form at Real (Via X/@realmadrid)

Mbappe knows that there’s a lot of pressure at Real Madrid. You go 2-3 matches without scoring, they’ll kill you.

Karim Benzema told El Chiringuito TV

Even though no Real Madrid player won the Ballon d’Or this year, it was enough for the Frenchman to state that the fans are unforgiving.

With 7 goals and 2 assists in all competitions, it cannot be said that Mbappe’s form has been ‘poor’. However, the weight of expectations and the excitement with which the player was unveiled at the club demands more goals from the superstar. It remains to be seen whether Carlo Ancelotti will continue to deploy him on the left or will figure out a way to make him involved in the best manner.