Mbappe makes Club World Cup debut as Frenchman’s return provides boost for Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappe made his Club World Cup debut in the 1-0 win over Juventus on Tuesday, with the Frenchman providing a reminder of what he can bring to Xabi Alonso’s changing Real Madrid side.

Mbappe came on for Gonzalo Garcia in the 68th minute of the match in Miami, with the latter having opened the scoring not long before with a brilliant header.

The Madrid academy product has thrived when given the opportunity under the absence of Mbappe, but the Frenchman made his return and was energetic throughout, linking up well with Vinicius Jr in attack and almost prodding home from one of the Brazilian’s crosses.

The cameo also marked Mbappe’s first appearance under Alonso, who is four games into his role as Madrid manger, with the 26-year-old obviously forming a key part of the Spaniard’s plans going forward.