Real Madrid: Xabi Alonso bows to Kylian Mbappé

Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso can thank Kylian Mbappé for saving his job on Wednesday night with the victory over Athletic Bilbao (3-0) in La Liga. The Real Madrid coach was full of praise for his player.

Two goals and an assist—Kylian Mbappé carried Real Madrid against Athletic Bilbao (3-0) last night in La Liga. Speaking to the press, Los Blancos coach Xabi Alonso highlighted the French international's impact. "Kylian is in a very good spell. He scored two more goals, two superb goals. And on top of that, he brought his mobility. The connection with Vinicius was also very strong," the Spanish tactician admitted.

Even Ernesto Valverde, the Bilbao coach, acknowledged the impact of Kylian Mbappé: "The Real players kept sending long balls behind us to take advantage of the speed of Vinicius and Mbappé. Any situation like that could turn into a goal. (...) Of course, we played taking risks. Against other teams, it can work, but it didn't work in this match. It didn't work because they caught us out at the back, and every time Mbappé controlled the ball it was a dangerous situation."

This season, Mbappé has tallied 25 goals and 4 assists in 20 matches across all competitions.