Álvaro Arbeloa says Kylian Mbappé is “on his way” to matching CR7

Real Madrid secured a hard-fought victory over Valencia on Sunday, moving to within one point of Barcelona at the top of the LaLiga standings. Madrid have now won five league games on the spin to surge back into championship contention.

Sunday’s 2-0 win was earned through goals from Álvaro Carreras and Kylian Mbappé at the Mestalla. Mbappé’s late strike was his 22nd in 21 LaLiga games this season, his 30th goal in 37 appearances in all competitions.

It’s an astonishing strike rate, and one that brings back memories of his spiritual predecessor at Real Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo. Growing up, Mbappé ’s idol was Ronaldo and he has revealed that he took inspiration from Ronaldo’s exploits in the Spanish capital. Now, he is starting to repeat them.

Speaking after the game, Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa made the comparison between two Madrid stars. He said: “Words fail to describe Kylian. We thought we wouldn’t see anything like Cristiano, but he’s on his way.”

Arbeloa continued: “Mestalla is always a tough place to play, because of the atmosphere and the passion they always show against Real Madrid. But we managed to overcome it, we controlled the game well, [Thibault] Courtois didn’t have to make a single save. The players put in a very solid and committed performance.”

Mbappé’s form has helped bring about a Real Madrid renaissance under Arbeloa, who was tasked with stepping in mid-season to replace his former teammate Xabi Alonso. Madrid are yet to truly click as a team this season but they are still in contention for both LaLiga and the Champions League, the two trophies on which Real Madrid’s success always depends.