How Alonso is transforming Mbappé's game at Real Madrid

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Kylian Mbappé stood off to one side, smiling and waiting as Xabi Alonso sang his praises.

Mbappé had scored twice -- and been named player of the match -- as Real Madrid beat Marseille 2-1 in the Champions League. In the flash interview zone at the Santiago Bernabéu, the coach had a somewhat awkward task: publicly assessing his star forward's contribution, within earshot of the man himself.

"He wasn't bad," Alonso told Movistar reporter Ricardo Sierra, laughing and glancing off-screen towards Mbappé. "As usual. Two goals. He has an incredible impact. We're happy to have him, but there's a long way to go, and we're just getting started ... and with him here, a meter away,…