Carlo Ancelotti hailed Kylian Mbappe as “the best center forward in the world” after the France captain scored twice in Real Madrid’s 4-1 win over Las Palmas this afternoon.

Mbappe played predominantly on the left in a three-man attack at previous club Paris Saint-Germain but has had to adapt to a new role in Spain.

He hasn’t always looked completely comfortable but Ancelotti believes he is starting to show his best form today after scoring four goals in three games.

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The Italian said: “He is the best center forward in the world. There was doubt as to whether he would be able to play there as he would be better off on the left. He’s a great striker, he’s very good in the centre, his runs are unique on the wing and he can get better from inside.”

Go to the top of Madrid

The win moved Madrid two points clear at the top of La Liga but it wasn’t easy as Las Palmas took a surprise first-minute lead through Fabio Silva.

Mbappe equalized from the penalty spot after Sandro Ramirez was adjudged to have fouled Rodrigo.

Brahim Diaz put the home side 3-1 up before Mbappe’s 12th goal of the season. Rodrigo added a fourth 12 minutes into the second half and Las Palmas ran out of steam before Benito Ramirez was sent off for a poor challenge on Lucas Vazquez.

The final scoreline could have been much more emphatic when three of Madrid’s goals were disallowed for offside while Jude Bellingham missed a number of chances.

A difficult week, Ancelotti admits

It was a good end to a week that started with a 5-2 defeat by Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup and included a 5-2 extra-time Copa del Rey victory over Celta Vigo in midweek.

Ancelotti added: “It’s been a difficult week like everyone else when you get hit. It’s more difficult when you lose a Clasico, of course, but the only way to get through tough times is to be self-critical and positive.

“We are able to balance the good moments and the difficult moments. I think the criticism is harsher with Madrid than with other teams, yes. There is criticism and there is criticism, it is criticism that hurts, it is the fans who are not happy, and it is the criticism that inspires. It’s a wake-up call.”

A good day for Madrid was made sweeter by the return of defender David Alaba after 399 days out of action due to injury. Austrian Alaba came on for Antonio Rudiger in the last 14 minutes.