Dani Carvajal, player for Real Madrid, highlighted this Monday that the Frenchman Kylian Mbappé, his teammate at the club, "is a leader" in the dressing room and added that it feels like he has been at the club for "five years."

"He's scoring so many goals. He adapted fantastically to the group from day one, and I hope he keeps scoring. He’s a leader, clearly. It feels like he’s been with us for five years. One of the best players in the world, if not the best," said Carvajal after receiving an award at the Sports Press Association of Madrid (APDM) gala held this Monday in the Spanish capital. "If he’s the best in the world, we’ll see by the end of the season, because collective success plays a big role," he added.

Carvajal's recovery

Additionally, Carvajal stated that he has "no doubt" he will return to his best level after the serious knee injury he suffered in October.

"The recovery is going really well. I’m on an excellent recovery timeline and without many setbacks, which is important. And as far as I’m concerned, I’m ready for the Club World Cup," the full-back declared.

The player admitted he struggles with not playing but tries to "enjoy other things," like "family" and the "little things that, when you're active and have so many games, you don't have time for."

Defending Ancelotti

Carvajal also defended his coach, Carlo Ancelotti, from the criticism he’s received throughout the season.

"In football, you go from heaven to hell in a week with two defeats. You should never bury the coach; you can see it in his professional career. With us, it's been clear, he’s won two Champions League titles in three years with people doubting him a lot. He’s a fantastic coach, and this year, he’s going to achieve important things," he emphasized.