Karim Benzema, one of Real Madrid’s greatest icons and a Ballon d’Or winner just three years ago, gave an interview to AS in which he discussed the club’s present and the rise of Kylian Mbappé.

On Mbappé, Benzema was direct: “He’s already performing at a higher level. Scoring is nothing new for him — he did it at PSG, and he’ll do it even more at Real Madrid. There will be matches where he barely touches the ball, but when the chance comes, he has to finish it. That’s Real Madrid. The club needs him, especially in big games like Atlético, Liverpool… against teams that sit deep. He has to step up, combine with Vinicius, and make the difference to bring home the Champions League.”

Even with Mbappé shining, Benzema reminded Madrid that he can’t carry the team alone: “He needs Vinicius, he needs the others. That’s how it works. Vinicius, Mbappé, Rodrygo — even if he’s not playing much — Bellingham… they need to communicate. One scores, another assists. You can’t ask Bellingham to score like Mbappé, or Mbappé to be the playmaker like Bellingham. They must talk. He’s improving, but he has to stay focused in the key moments when Real Madrid needs him most.”

Benzema also praised Xabi Alonso’s growth as a coach: “When we played together, he was the same. Pressing, vertical passes… a style I like. He’s been there only six months and he’s already doing very well. Time will tell.”

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