Hansi Flick has rejected suggestions that Real Madrid functions better when Kylian Mbappe is absent from the pitch. Barcelona's manager insists the French forward ranks among the world's elite strikers.
Mbappe, 27, has been sidelined with a hamstring injury. Los Blancos defeated Espanyol 2-0 without him last week.
The forward returned to team training recently but wasn't available for Barcelona's La Liga clash at Camp Nou. Some observers questioned whether Madrid operated with greater fluidity in his absence.
Flick dismissed that notion outright. "Real Madrid plays better without Mbappe?
He is one of the best players in the world, please," the German told Goal.
According to Flick, Mbappe's talents are extraordinary. "He is dangerous in every situation," he noted.
"In front of goal, he is the best in the world. He is dangerous both inside and outside the penalty area," Flick added.
Despite a petition by 45 million fans urging his departure, Mbappe's season has been impressive. He's scored 41 goals across 41 matches in all competitions for Alvaro Arbeloa's team.
His overall record at the Bernabeu stands at 85 goals and 11 assists in 100 appearances. That tally underscores his importance to Madrid's project.
