The next Scott McTominay? Jose Mourinho reveals what he told Scotland star as former Manchester United pair reunite in Benfica's victory over Napoli

Jose Mourinho has revealed what was said during his post-match chat with Scott McTominay, with the Benfica boss getting one over on his former Manchester United charge in a Champions League clash with Napoli. Scotland international McTominay is now starring in Italy, with his old boss at Old Trafford using the 29-year-old as an example to the teenage hopefuls he is helping to bring through in Lisbon.

  • Friends reunited: Mourinho worked with McTominay at Old Trafford

    Back in 2017, it was Mourinho who handed McTominay his senior bow for the Premier League heavyweights. He was introduced off the bench in a meeting with Arsenal in May of that year, before starting a final-day showdown with Crystal Palace.

    At just 20 years of age, McTominay became a regular in the 2017-18 campaign – taking in 23 appearances and becoming a full international. There were plenty of occasions in which the versatile midfielder was favoured over World Cup winner Paul Pogba – who had been signed by the Red Devils for a world-record £89 million ($119m) transfer fee in 2016.

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    High praise & a gift: What Mourinho said to McTominay

    Mourinho was reunited with McTominay when seeing Benfica take on Napoli in elite European competition. They exchanged words afterwards, with the ‘Special One’ revealing that he was also handed a special gift.

    At his press conference, Mourinho told reporters when asked about the accessories that he had with him: “The bag is mine. It’s McTominay’s shirt. I gave him his debut. I benched Pogba and let him play. The least he could do was give me the shirt!”

    Mourinho went on to say of his chat with McTominay, which saw the Scot lauded for all that he has achieved since stepping out of a fabled youth system in Manchester: “I told him that the kids I put in today in the final minutes are my 'Next McTominay'. I've given many of them their debuts at Roma too. [Jose] Neto is 17, and I had to be the first to play him because he'll make history, trust me.”

    While Mourinho was feeling upbeat after seeing goals from Richard Rios and Leandro Barreiro earn Benfica an impressive 2-0 victory over Napoli, he added on McTominay’s mood: “He was sad because he lost. That’s Scott, that’s the nature of winning players. He chatted with me for five minutes, but he lost, and he was sad.

    “But he’s very happy in Naples. Winning the award for best foreign player is absolutely fantastic, it qualifies Scotland for the World Cup after so many years. He’s having a really, really good time. He gave Manchester United a real boost, and there’s a connection with him. When he’s 70, he’ll still remember me.”

  • Notable scalp: Mourinho proud of Benfica's performance

    McTominay was recently named the Serie A Player of the Year for 2025, becoming the first Scot to win that prize. He savoured title glory with Napoli last season, posting a career-best return of 13 goals across all competitions.

    McTominay and Co are back in the hunt for another domestic crown this term, sitting level on points with AC Milan at the top of the table, and Mourinho said of seeing Benfica claim a notable scalp on home soil: “We deserved it, we played an extraordinary match. Some will say that Napoli weren't the team we know, but I disagree. Benfica did an extraordinary job, controlling the game at all times. For us, beating Napoli like this and still being alive in this competition is a great thing.”

    He went on to say: “We have six points. Benfica lost at home to Qarabag early on, otherwise we'd have nine and be one step away from qualifying. The schedule is incredibly tough, but losing that match put us on the edge right away. It was important to win today, otherwise the story would have ended.”

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    Mourinho is a two-time Champions League winner

    Benfica remain in contention for a Champions League play-off spot, which would extend their European adventure into the spring of 2026. Mourinho will be hoping to guide them down that path, having previously claimed the most prestigious of continental honours during his time with Porto and Inter.

“True” – Agent confirms Arsenal want attacker after rumour he’ll ‘soon sign’

Arsenal are believed to be after one club’s standout attacker, with his representative now confirming the Gunners’ interest in signing him.

Arsenal linked with new attackers heading into 2026

Despite having just signed Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and star striker Viktor Gyokeres in the summer — as part of their near-£270 million summer spending spree — links with new attacking options haven’t gone away.

Certain Arsenal forwards currently face an uncertain long-term future, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both out of contract in 2027 as things stand, so that could be a key reason why sporting director Andrea Berta is thinking about adding another forward to Mikel Arteta’s ranks next year.

According to some reports, Arsenal have held talks with representatives of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as the race intensifies for one of Europe’s most exciting teenage talents.

The 19-year-old Ivorian has enjoyed a sensational start to life in Germany, registering 11 goal contributions in his last 15 appearances across all competitions.

His explosive form has attracted elite suitors from across the continent, with Bayern Munich particularly aggressive in their pursuit of his signature, but Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, PSG, Liverpool and Chelsea are also taking an interest.

Arteta says "really special" Arsenal star has been so good in training lately

The Spaniard is thrilled with him.

By
Emilio Galantini

3 days ago

However, given his seismic £88 million price tag, Berta may want to consider alternatives.

The north Londoners are believed to be keen on Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo too, with the Arsenal supporter (by his own admission) available for £65m through a release clause active in early January.

The Ghanaian has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season, making him an enticing prospect for the Gunners.

Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz, meanwhile, has also attracted admiration from Arsenal amid his fantastic performances in Turin and ongoing contract uncertainty with the Italian giants.

The versatile Turkish forward represents another potential option as Berta continues exploring targets across multiple markets.

That being said, one player may arrive before any of the aforementioned crop.

According to Croatian media sources, Arsenal are ‘expected’ to strike a deal for HNK Rijeka star Toni Fruk, who will ‘soon sign’ for Arteta’s side with talks in ‘full swing’.

Agent confirms Arsenal interest in Toni Fruk

Now, as per his own agent, Andy Bara, that interest in the 24-year-old has now been confirmed.

Bara is quoted telling news outlet 24 Sata that Arsenal do indeed want to sign Fruk, but he also denies any concrete talks or negotiations happening behind-the-scenes right now.

The versatile forward, who can operate both as a number 10 and centre-forward, has been a revelation for Rijeka this season, bagging 10 goals in all competitions already.

Fruk’s performances have also impressed talent-spotters from the likes of AC Milan and Liverpool, with the ex-Fiorentina talent also out of contract in 2027 and potentially available for a bargain fee.

Fruk has also been described as the Croatian National League’s ‘best’ footballer and ‘most valuable’ player (Sport Klub), while others dubbed him a ‘new’ version of Luka Modrić.

Comparisons to the Real Madrid legend are a clear indicator of just how highly-rated he is in that part of Europe, with Rijeka’s talisman now turning heads in the Premier League.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Announces He'll Participate in 2025 Home Run Derby

Ronald Acuna Jr. is the first player to announce he'll participate in the 2025 Home Run Derby during MLB All-Star festivities.

On Wednesday night, Acuna made the announcement on with host Elle Duncan.

The 2025 MLB All-Star Game will be at Acuna's home park in Atlanta, as Truist Park is set to host the Midsummer Classic. It's fitting that the face of the Braves' franchise will be participating in the most anticipated event of All-Star week.

This will be Acuna's third Home Run Derby appearance. He participated in 2019 and knocked out Josh Bell in the opening round before losing to eventual champion Pete Alonso in the semifinals. He was back in 2022 but lost to Alonso 20-19 in the opening round. Given that history, a rematch with Alonso would be great television.

In 29 games this season, Acuna is slashing .385/.496/.692 with nine home runs and 16 RBIs. He missed the beginning of the season as he recovered from a torn ACL in his left knee.

'Jurgen has made it clear' – Red Bull CEO responds to possibility of ex-Liverpool manager Klopp replacing under-fire Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso

Speculation around Real Madrid’s search for a potential successor to the under-pressure Xabi Alonso has intensified, but Red Bull chief Oliver Mintzlaff has shut down hopes of luring Jurgen Klopp back to the dugout. With Los Blancos enduring a turbulent run and Klopp named as a dream candidate, Mintzlaff insists the former Liverpool boss is not returning to coaching.

  • Real Madrid considering Klopp as Alonso successor

    Madrid’s poor run of form under Alonso has forced the club’s hierarchy to reportedly quietly evaluate alternatives as frustration grows inside the Santiago Bernabeu. Alonso has overseen a troubling stretch in which Los Blancos have dropped points in six of their last eight matches across all competitions, sparking questions about whether his project is unravelling five months into the season. Damaging losses, tactical confusion, and unflattering reports of a dressing room divided over Alonso’s methods have only magnified the scrutiny on his role.

    Amid this turbulence, Sky Sport Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has listed Klopp among the names Madrid would consider if they decide to cut ties with Alonso in the coming weeks. Klopp, who left Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season, has enjoyed a quieter lifestyle since taking over as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer in early 2025. His stature, Champions League pedigree, and history of reviving underperforming teams naturally make him the type of candidate Madrid gravitates toward in moments of crisis.

    However, despite being labelled a potential option, the German quickly became the subject of speculation that was more dream than reality. Klopp has long maintained he stepped away from frontline coaching because he was "running out of energy", and nothing in his current role suggests he is eager to re-enter the high-pressure, high-expectation environment Madrid offers. The rumours gained momentum, but those close to Klopp insist the links misrepresent his intentions and current commitment.

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    Red Bull CEO makes it clear that Klopp will not return to coaching

    Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s Global Director of Football, addressed the growing speculation directly and clarified Klopp’s stance in unequivocal fashion. "Jurgen has made it clear that he doesn’t want to be a coach at the moment," he said during an event hosted by the Leipziger Volkszeitung.

    Mintzlaff expanded further on Klopp’s current priorities: "Whether that changes at some point in his life, of course, is possible. But I can see how passionate he is about this job, how many ideas he has and how much he wants to develop further. Therefore, I’m completely relaxed." The remarks underline that Klopp is deeply involved in shaping the Red Bull football ecosystem and thriving in the less exhausting demands of an executive role.

    With Klopp preparing to work as a pundit during the 2026 World Cup and enjoying his expanded off-pitch responsibilities, Mintzlaff’s confidence reflects a level of stability Klopp has not enjoyed in years.

  • Real Madrid's massive struggles under Xabi Alonso

    The reason Madrid have found themselves linked so aggressively with a figure like Klopp lies in the depth of their current struggles. Alonso’s return to the club as manager promised a modernised tactical approach following his remarkable success at Bayer Leverkusen, but the transition has been far more difficult than anticipated. Injuries to key defenders, including Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, and Dani Carvajal, have destabilised Madrid’s structure, while Alonso’s high-pressing demands have clashed with the squad’s rhythm and conditioning.

    Off the pitch, reports suggest Madrid’s senior players have grown weary of Alonso’s lengthy analysis sessions and his insistence on a high defensive line, which some feel leaves them overly exposed. The chaotic shift from Carlo Ancelotti’s player-friendly, man-management ethos to Alonso’s systematic, detail-heavy style has not been universally embraced. With player dissatisfaction reportedly rising and results deteriorating, the situation bears all the hallmarks of a Madrid project approaching breaking point.

    Within this context, Klopp’s name inevitably surfaced because he represents both tactical clarity and a commanding personality capable of controlling a restless dressing room. Madrid’s leadership has historically pursued managers of Klopp’s stature in times of turmoil, even if the probability of landing them is slim. But unlike other elite coaches who remain in the cycle of opportunities, Klopp has removed himself from that carousel entirely, making his candidacy more symbolic than realistic.

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    Klopp to continue his job as Red Bull's Global Director of Football

    Madrid must now decide whether Alonso deserves more time to steady the team or whether the situation demands swift intervention before the season slips further away. With the club still within touching distance of leaders Barcelona, a resurgence could buy Alonso breathing room, but sources in Spain suggest that upcoming fixtures will be critical in determining his fate. Los Blancos know that hesitation can be costly, yet finding a suitable replacement mid-season, not least one willing to assume the pressure, remains a challenge.

    For Klopp, the immediate future is far more serene. His role with Red Bull continues to absorb his energy and creativity, and there is no indication that Madrid’s struggles, or Liverpool’s recent turbulence, will tempt him back to the touchline. He remains clear that rest and long-term planning take precedence over the relentless intensity of management.

Wanyama & Dembele hybrid: Spurs could see bid accepted for £25m “pitbull”

Tottenham Hotspur have undergone a series of changes this year, ending their interminable drought on the trophy front before dismissing the manager who won the Europa League, Ange Postecoglou.

It was a polarising decision, but it did make sense. Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League, after all, and Ange’s tactics lacked the stability needed to complete and flourish both domestically and abroad.

Thomas Frank is in the process of recoding the Tottenham first team, and the Danish coach has overseen some exciting summer signings, Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons standing out, while cutting ties with some flotsam too.

Now, ENIC Group and Frank are in concert: further refinements are needed. In midfield, much is to be desired, and with Yves Bissouma having been made surplus to requirements ahead of the January transfer window, don’t be surprised to see the Londoners add a new star to their engine room.

Spurs searching for new midfielder

Bissouma, without question, is one of the most gifted midfielders in the Premier League. But his gifts have gone to waste, with a host of disciplinary issues plaguing him since joining Tottenham over three years ago.

Bissouma has not made a single appearance under Frank’s wing, and following his latest transgression, a decision has been made by the hierarchy to part ways with the 29-year-old this winter.

This opens the door for an exciting addition, and the Lilywhites have one in mind.

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are interested in signing Nicolas Raskin, and Rangers are ‘likely to accept’ any bid, as they would find it difficult to turn down a compelling offer this January.

Though new coach Danny Rohl values the 24-year-old highly, the pull of Premier League and Champions League football would allow Spurs to complete a deal somewhere in the region of £25m, a figure touted when Wolves came calling earlier in the year.

What Raskin would bring to Spurs

Raskin may need to take a step up from the Scottish Premiership to prove his talent one the grandest stage, but his qualities have already been recognised by the Belgium national set-up, and he has earned nine caps for his country.

This is an “utterly sensational” player, as he has been described by UEFA coach John Walker, combative in his deep-lying berth while progressing play and making intelligent contributions throughout, finding the right pass, making a well-timed tackle.

With this in mind, Raskin could prove to be Tottenham’s next version of Mousa Dembele, whose performances down N17 have left him remembered as one of the club’s most talented players of the modern age.

Belgian teammate Kevin De Bruyne actually described Dembele “the best in the world” when in his Spurs prime, with his wicked blend of athleticism and technical grace setting him apart from his positional rivals.

Raskin, in a Rangers side that have left much to be desired this season, has established a similarly surpassing level. Can he carry that form into the Premier League? Could he become a focal point for Frank’s central system?

Nicolas Raskin: Premiership Stats (25/26)

Match Stats (* per game)

#

Matches (starts)

13 (12)

Goals

1

Assists

3

Touches*

73.8

Accurate passes*

50.7 (87%)

Chances created*

1.7

Dribbles*

0.6

Ball recoveries*

4.0

Tackles + interceptions*

2.7

Clearances*

1.7

Duels (won)*

6.2 (54%)

Data via Sofascore

He is active in the duel, creative on the ball, incredibly athletic. Dubbed a “pitbull” of a midfielder by Dutch journalist Bob Faesen in the past, this could be a player cut from a similar cloth when considering his countrymen.

That pitbull-like presence may also see Raskin bring a bit of Victor Wanyama back to north London, the midfield powerhouse having cut his teeth with Southampton before moving to Tottenham and playing a significant role throughout 2016/17, arguably the apotheosis of the Mauricio Pochettino era.

Like Raskin too, however, the Kenyan sensation had honed his craft at one of the two Glasgow giants, Celtic, prior to moving south of the border, having effortlessly made that transition into life in the Premier League.

With the strength of Wanyama and the artful ball skills of Dembele, this could be a significant addition for a Tottenham team who have lacked dynamism and flair in the middle of the park.

Frank's answer to Declan Rice: Spurs have found a "future £100m" superstar

Tottenham’s long-term vision is among the most ambitious in all of Europe.

By
Angus Sinclair

4 days ago

Two Frontrunners Emerging to Acquire Some of ESPN's MLB Broadcast Rights

For 36 years, Major League Baseball has been a fixture on ESPN's airwaves—but it appears that partnership is coming to an end, and two new platforms are poised to capitalize.

Apple TV is a leading candidate among streamers to land an expanded MLB rights package when baseball's agreement with ESPN ends after this season, according to a Monday afternoon report from Austin Karp of . NBC, per Karp, remains a leading player among traditional television networks.

"The league—like many other properties—is weighing the pros and cons of potentially fewer dollars from a legacy media company with more reach vs. more dollars from a digitally native platform with fewer eyeballs domestically," Karp wrote.

At stake is the fate of , an ESPN institution since 1990 and still the country's most reliable window into regular-season baseball; both Apple TV and NBC are reportedly players for the package.

Intriguingly, Karp suggested that any deal or deals composed of ESPN's constituent events would last three years. That would align MLB's entire national rights package for a potential windfall after the 2028 season.

Newcastle set to launch complaint over treatment of fans during Champions League clash with Marseille

Newcastle United have claimed their fans were "indiscriminately assaulted by the police" and are set to launch a complaint over how they were treated in Marseille. Following the 2-1 Champions League defeat on Tuesday at Stade Velodrome, the Magpies say officers utilised "unnecessary and disproportionate force" against their supporters, as well as using pepper spray, batons, and shields.

  • Newcastle to complain to UEFA

    In a statement on the club's website, Newcastle said they will lodge a complaint with UEFA, Marseille, and French police off the back of the "unacceptable" fan treatment. The Toon added that many supporters were "visibly distressed" by how they were looked after when the game drew to a close. 

    The post reads: "We will be formally raising our concerns with UEFA, Olympique de Marseille and French police in relation to the unacceptable treatment of our supporters by police at Stade Vélodrome following Tuesday's UEFA Champions League fixture. Following the final whistle, our supporters were required to remain in the stadium for a period of up to one hour on the instruction of local authorities to ensure their safety when leaving the stadium. 

    "Plans were in place to move 500 supporters at a time, with a police escort to the Metro station for onward travel to Place de la Joliette. Our supporters were in good spirits despite the disappointing result and waited patiently and without incident during the holdback period. The post-match operation was observed at close quarters by our stewards and senior staff. 

    "Once the first group of supporters was released, the police began using unnecessary and disproportionate force to stop the remainder of our fans from moving any further. This was actioned through a combination of pepper spray, batons, and shields, with numerous supporters being indiscriminately assaulted by the police. Many supporters were visibly distressed, particularly in the upper concourse area of the away sector, where crushing became apparent." 

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    Newcastle call for investigation

    Newcastle have also called for an investigation into this matter to ensure "lessons are learned" and this behaviour is not repeated. The Magpies added that there was a lot of "frustration and anger" amongst the club's staff for how this was handled.

    The post adds: "Our staff immediately addressed the matter with the police, however this had limited impact on their excessive tactics. Fans leaving the stadium rightly shared their distress, frustration and anger with our staff, and we have subsequently received deeply concerning witness reports from supporters who were in attendance. Supporter safety and welfare should always be of paramount importance, and we strongly condemn the treatment of our supporters by the police during this incident. 

    "We will be calling on UEFA, Olympique de Marseille and local authorities to formally investigate this matter to ensure lessons are learned and this behaviour is not repeated. We are continuing to liaise with the United Kingdom Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) as we gather evidence on behalf of our supporters."

  • Newcastle fans angry about treatment

    Newcastle season ticket holder, Liam Phillips, vowed never to return to Marseille after what he witnessed on Tuesday. He added that the locals were "very friendly" but the police "whacked people indiscriminately". 

    "To be cooped up from 4pm – and I didn't get back to my hotel until nearly 2am – that's almost 10 hours to watch 90 minutes of football," he told BBC Sport. "It just felt inhumane and felt to me like we were being treated like criminals when actually the vast majority if not everybody were just there to watch their team. There was no aggro. It was all good-natured. We just wanted to watch a game of football. There was no need for it."

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    Newcastle need fans' help

    Ahead of Newcastle's trip to Everton in the Premier League this weekend, the club called on supporters to provide any information they had on the unsavoury scenes in Marseille this week. 

    The club finished by saying: "We would like to hear from supporters affected by this incident as we collate as much supporting information as possible. This will also be shared with UEFA, UKFPU and the Football Supporters Europe organisation. Supporters who wish to share their witness report should email [email protected]."

Man Utd "confident" they'll sign Anderson for £40m less than Forest's asking price

Manchester United believe they can sign Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson for a cut-price fee in 2026.

Man Utd linked with Anderson amid Tuchel praise

Since making the move to the City Ground from Newcastle in 2024, Anderson has gone from strength to strength and is now viewed as one of the best players in the Premier League.

He’s also now a regular on the international stage under Thomas Tuchel, and it looks as if Anderson and Declan Rice will be the Three Lions’ starting midfield duo at the 2026 World Cup.

Tuchel has recently praised Anderson, calling him an elite player. “Anderson is a key player for us at the moment. He is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, that’s why he is with us and starting for us. He is an elite player with the right attitude and a lot of talent.”

Anderson’s displays have caught the eye of Man Utd, who have been heavily linked with a move for the midfielder, however, they aren’t the only Premier League side who are keen.

Former club Newcastle are thought to have an interest in bringing Anderson back to St James’ Park, whereas Chelsea have also been linked. Now, a new update has emerged over a transfer to Old Trafford and the potential fee involved.

Man Utd “confident” of signing Anderson for £60m

According to CaughtOffside, Man Utd think they can sign Anderson for a bargain fee of just £60m, which is £40m less than Forest’s initial £100m valuation that has been mooted in the media.

Anderson being under contract at the City Ground for another three-and-a-half years could complicate matters, so if Man Utd do snap him up for £60m as they feel they can, it may prove to be a shrewd deal.

Elliot Anderson’s best performances 25/26

WhoScored rating

Latvia 0-5 England

8.14/10

Nottingham Forest 2-3 FC Midtjylland

7.77/10

Real Betis 2-2 Nottingham Forest

7.66/10

England 2-0 Andorra

7.45/10

Nottingham Forest 3-1 Brentford

7.40/10

The 23-year-old also shares the same agency as United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who has actually been linked with the Old Trafford exit.

Casemiro’s contract is also set to expire in 2026, whereas Manuel Ugarte came in for criticism from Amorim after the Europa League final last season.

Man Utd now very keen on signing "amazing" midfielder likened to N'Golo Kante

Ruben Amorim’s side have identified another target in the middle of the park ahead of the January transfer window.

By
Dominic Lund

Nov 20, 2025

All signs point towards a new marquee midfielder being required, and that could be Anderson if the Red Devils get their way.

Man Utd now racing Arsenal to sign "complete" £45m Bundesliga attacker

White Sox Grounds Crew's Disastrous Tarp Job Led to Plenty of Jokes From MLB Fans

It does not appear as if the Chicago White Sox were prepared for the possibility of inclement weather on Sunday.

Rain began pouring down at Rate Field in the middle of the bottom of the seventh inning of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. The rain came down hard and fast, so much so that the White Sox's grounds crew struggled to get a hold of the situation.

In the process of laying out the tarp, the weight of the rainwater prevented the crew from getting the tarp all the way across the infield. The tarp got stuck after it was spread out across roughly half of the infield, forcing the grounds crew to explore alternative measures of protecting the field.

With the big tarp unable to fulfill its duties, the grounds crew brought out various smaller tarps of different shapes and sizes in order to get as much of the infield covered as possible.

It didn't go too well.

With the downpour not relenting, the game runs the risk of being suspended since it was tied 2–2 at the time of the delay.

The disastrous tarp job over the Rate Field infield led to plenty of jokes from MLB fans, who couldn't help but laugh at the unfortunate situation in Chicago.

'He can't do it alone' – Karim Benzema calls on Real Madrid to give Kylian Mbappe more help as he outlines how France superstar can 'combine' with Vinicius Jr

Former Real Madrid and France striker Karim Benzema has heaped praise on Kylian Mbappe's performance, but at the same time, he has acknowledged that he needs more support from his teammates. After emerging as the top goal-scorer in La Liga last term, the French forward has been in steaming form this season, already topping the scoring charts.

  • Mbappe's sublime form this season

    Mbappe has been the torch-bearer for Madrid this season, almost single-handedly carrying Los Blancos with his 18 goals in 16 games. A mainstay in the team since his arrival in 2024, he has been the most important player, at first for Carlo Ancelotti and now for Xabi Alonso. With Madrid targeting a clean sweep of trophies after missing out on all major silverware last term, Benzema says it is up to the rest to step up and combine with last season's La Liga top scorer.

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    What did Benzema say?

    Benzema, himself a former Real Madrid striker, someone who has scored 354 goals in 648 matches for the club, has praised Mbappe for his deeds, but believes he requires additional support to fire more. "Mbappe is much better this season; scoring goals isn’t new to him," Benzema said. "He did it at PSG, and at Real Madrid he’s going to score many more. What we expect from Kylian is that when he gets the chance, he’ll score it. That’s how Real Madrid is."

    The former French international has also urged Mbappe to combine with Brazilian counterpart Vinicius Jr, saying: "Real Madrid need him a lot, and there are games where he has to score, like vs Atletico Madrid, Liverpool. These are teams that sit back, and he has to step up, work those situations. He has to combine with Vini Jr. Real Madrid is waiting for Mbappe for these moments, to bring home the Champions League. I think he can do it with the other players. He can’t do it alone. He needs Vini Jr, other players… that’s just how it is. I think Vini Jr, Mbappe, Rodrygo (even though he doesn’t play much), Bellingham… they have to communicate. One is there to score goals, another to provide assists."

  • Benzema's advice to Jude Bellingham

    After a rough patch, Jude Bellingham is slowly regaining his lost goal-scoring form, which is partly to be blamed to his shoulder injury and the tactical shift at Madrid under Alonso. Since his return from injury in mid-September, the English midfielder has secured three goals, including the match-winning effort against Juventus in the Champions League, and one assist. Benzema said: "We’re not going to tell Bellingham to score goals because that’s Mbappe’s job, nor are we going to tell him to be the number 10 because that’s Bellingham’s role. They need to talk. He’s now better, but he needs to focus more on these moments when Real Madrid needs him because he has everything he needs to do it."

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    When do Real Madrid return to the pitch?

    Alonso's contingent will be back in the mix on November 23, against Elche. However, until December 7, they will be playing on the road. They recently witnessed a transformation of the Bernabeu, which hosted the first-ever NFL game in Spain. Their home matches were kept waiting due to this mega-event, but on December 7, they will return to home soil to play against Celta Vigo in the domestic league. In between, they have fixtures against Olympiacos (November 26), Girona (November 30) and Athletic Club (December 3).

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