"One of the five best players in the world" - Former Real Madrid star insists Kylian Mbappe will succeed at club

Former Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira has backed Kylian Mbappe to succeed at the Santiago Bernabeu. After years of speculation, the Frenchman joined Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a free transfer this summer.

However, Mbappe has had an underwhelming start to life in the Spanish capital. He has made 21 appearances for Los Blancos this season, bagging 11 goals and two assists across all competitions.

Former Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Sami Khedira has voiced his support for Kylian Mbappe by insisting that he will succeed for the La Liga giants. He said in an interview with Spanish outlet MARCA (via Madrid Universal):

"Mbappe is one of the five best players in the world, but football is not just about buying the best players and putting them on the pitch. You have to adapt them well to the team."

The former Los Blancos midfielder added:

"The first problem that needs to be solved is where Mbappe plays, because he has come to a team where there was already a top player in his place, like Vinicius. And then there's another big thing: PSG is not Real Madrid. Madrid is the biggest brand in the world, the expectations are different."

Carlo Ancelotti's men are currently second in La Liga with 36 points in 16 matches, only behind Barcelona, who have 38 points in 17 games.

Real Madrid interested in signing Kylian Mbappe's French teammate: Reports

Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Kylian Mbappe's French teammate Theo Hernandez in the 2025 summer transfer window, as per Calciomercato. Los Blancos are expected to get competition from Ruben Amorim's Manchester United, who are keen to sign a new full-back.

Carlo Ancelotti's side was heavily linked with Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies as the 24-year-old's contract is set to expire at the end of the ongoing season. However, as per Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, Davies is expected to sign a new long-term deal with the Bundesliga giants.

As a result, Los Blancos have shifted focus to their former star. Theo Hernandez left the Santiago Bernabeu outfit to join AC Milan in July 2019. Since then, he has bagged 31 goals and 41 assists across all competitions for Rossoneri in 230 appearances.

Carlo Ancelotti's side has Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia at the left-back spot and they're keen to recruit new defenders at the position. AC Milan are expected to consider offers of around €50 million for the Frenchman.