Real Madrid: Carlo Ancelotti makes bold Kylian Mbappe clam with Cristiano Ronaldo comparison

Carlo Ancelotti has backed Kylian Mbappe to have a similar impact at Real Madrid as Cristiano Ronaldo.

Mbappe made his long-awaited move to the Bernabeu last summer and has scored 22 LaLiga goals in 27 appearances so far this season.

He has also been on target seven times in the Champions League, helping Real Madrid to reach the quarter-finals, where they will face Arsenal.

Mbappe scored a brace against Leganes on Saturday, including the winner as Ancelotti’s side came from behind to win 3-2 and keep themselves within three points of league leaders Barcelona.

While it is still early days in Mbappe’s career at the Bernabeu, Ancelotti was asked if the Frenchman has the ability to go on and match Ronaldo’s record at the club.

Ronaldo is Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer, with 451 goals in 438 appearances during his nine seasons in Spain.

“It’s difficult but I wish Mbappe to match Ronaldo at Real Madrid for a long time, of course,” Ancelotti replied.

“He has the quality to make it, I hope he becomes a legend of this club. He can do it. Cristiano’s impact here was more than goals.”

Mbappe’s double against Leganes took him to 33 goals for the season in all competitions, as many as Ronaldo managed in his first year at Madrid.

Speaking after that match, Mbappe revealed that he is in regular contact with Ronaldo.

“Me and Cristiano Ronaldo speak frequently,” Mbappe said. “He gives me a lot of advice.

“I’m very happy to equal his goals in the first season, we know what he represents for all of us.

“But the really important thing is to win trophies with Real Madrid.”