Mbappe ready to build on strong Real Madrid start
Xabi Alonso says Kylian Mbappe is "hungry" for another big year with Real Madrid, as he looks to continue his fine start to the season against Real Sociedad on Sunday (AEST).
Mbappe is Madrid's top scorer in LaLiga this season, having scored in two of its three games so far.
Madrid sits top of the pile as one of two teams, along with Athletic Club, with a perfect record, and it heads to Anoeta with hopes of maintaining its winning streak.
Mbappe, who scored twice for France during the international break to surpass Thierry Henry and go second outright in Les Bleus all-time goal charts, scored 43 goals for Madrid in all competitions during his debut season and is expected to play a key role once again this term.
"Kylian is in a great place, both in a footballing sense and personally," Alonso said.
"I think, after his first season in Madrid, he's hungry for another year. You see how he's relishing his role on a daily basis, and he's not the only one.
"That responsibility has to be shared if we want to forge that strong base in the dressing room, on which to build to where we want to get to.
"We've only played three games, and we have to gradually lay the foundations for how we want to compete, how we want to work day-by-day, and to keep developing as a team.
"Kylian is a key part of that. He was decisive for France again, and we need him."
La Real, meanwhile, is 16th in LaLiga after a disappointing start to the season and is still searching for a first win. It has recorded two draws and a loss so far.
Alonso's side is set to embark on a hectic seven-game run before the next international break, with its UEFA Champions League campaign beginning on Wednesday (AEST), while it also faces a Madrid derby in that period.
Asked if this was his first real test as Madrid coach, Alonso responded: "I don't think so. We know every game is of vital importance, both in LaLiga and the [UEFA] Champions League.
"They are all points that could make a difference in the long run, and that's why we have to address every game with the importance it deserves, understanding how to approach it. That determines our preparations; every game is decisive."
