Bad timing or bad luck? What went wrong for Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid?
3 months into his time at Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe hasn't really managed to kick things off the way he would've wanted.
Follow Us
Can Kylian Mbappe turn things around for himself at Real Madrid? (Via GOAL)
With recent results in La Liga, Real Madrid has managed to cut down the gap between FC Barcelona to just four points. A win against Getafe in the next League game will put the club within a point of their rivals. However, as opined by pundits, fans, and former players alike, Real Madrid’s biggest problem this season is someone within its own squad—Kylian Mbappe.
The Frenchman’s arrival to the Santiago Bernabeu marked the culmination of one of the biggest transfer sagas in the history of the sport. However, three months, nine goals, and two assists later, one can’t help but ask the question on everyone’s mind: has Kylian Mbappe made Real Madrid worse?
Is Real Madrid to blame?
Despite Mbappe’s grand presentation at the Bernabeu and the handsome €150 million signing bonus, many believe that Madrid made a mistake. At a glance, it becomes evident that Mbappe’s inclusion creates a very elemental issue for Carlo Ancelotti—both Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. play in the same position.
Even though Vinicius operates as more of a touchline forward rather than through the middle and up front, both the No.7 and No.9 ultimately like cutting in from the left. Even Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo often migrate to the same wing, creating an immensely disproportionate attack.
While Vinicius excels in his role, Mbappe has quite often gotten in his way. Furthermore, the club’s attack looks much less fluid and lacks chemistry.
What do the numbers say?
Despite all the criticism, Real Madrid‘s attackers are doing quite well. Mbappe’s seven La Liga goals are in no way inferior to that of Vinicius’ eight goals and five assists. With the Frenchman’s introduction into the line-up, Jude Bellingham‘s goal scoring numbers have gone down significantly.
As of now, Bellingham only has two goals to his name this season. However, the Englishman has comfortably managed to adjust to his new role in ‘midfield’. While Madrid still maintain a good attacking record, Mbappe hasn’t had a great impact defensively.
In fact, the Frenchman has been criticized on several occasions for his lack of defensive contributions. Modern football doesn’t allow for passengers in the game, and requires every player on the pitch to put in a shift defensively.
Kylian Mbappé in La Liga so far… ? pic.twitter.com/AdlzrYQOgX
— KMZ (@KM10Zone) November 24, 2024
While Vinicius has been called out for his questionable work rate, Mbappe’s is far worse. The No.9’s reluctance to track back and close down passing lanes in the middle gives the opposition ample time to pick out passes in the middle of the pitch. Madrid was particularly exposed against ‘better’ sides such as Barcelona and AC Milan, both of which it lost 4-0 and 3-1 respectively.
The tension between players is evident, although no player in the team has openly expressed their displeasure. It is, however, important to see that gestures from Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni and Rodrygo aimed at the two forwards reveal a lot about the frustration that arises from a lack of defensive contribution.
All of the players mentioned above have let their frustration get the better of themselves as they shouted and berated both Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. on multiple occasions, especially in the 1-0 loss to Lille.
Mbappe’s chance at redemption?
While almost everyone was aware that Kylian Mbappe was Madrid bound, another club, Liverpool, was linked with the superstar. Even though Madrid ended up signing the player on their own terms on a free transfer, he now prepares to take on a new role at the club.
Vinicius Jr. will not be available for selection after being sidelined for almost three weeks with a leg injury. With Carlo Ancelotti set to deploy the forward in his favorite position on the left, don’t be surprised if the forward inspires his side to victory.
??| Following Vinícius Jr's injury, Kylian Mbappé will play as a left winger against Liverpool.
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) November 25, 2024
[@marca] pic.twitter.com/EewvR2YWGn
Even though Vinicius will eventually return to the starting line-up, requiring the duo to settle their differences, the upcoming set of games will determine how fans and pundits form their opinion of the star. Given Mbappe fails to perform well in the games to come, a serious discussion regarding his role at the club needs to take place.
The player’s contract with the Los Blancos keeps him at Santiago Bernabeu till the 2028/29 season. He earns a total of €15 million per season. Besides adjusting to his new role, Mbappe will have to come to terms with the fact that he is no longer required to be the main man.
In contrast to his days at Paris Saint-Germain, the Frenchman will most likely have to adjust to the role of a team player or even supporting cast if Real Madrid is to reach its former levels of brilliance. Even though Mbappe still offers moments of brilliance to prove that he’s still one of the best in the world, it is evident that he hasn’t lived up to his reputation.
Form is on Mbappe’s side
Mbappe’s recent game for Real Madrid saw him bag a goal in a 3-0 win over Leganes in La Liga. With momentum on his side, one cannot help but hope that the same translates into goals for Madrid in the Champions League.
Following the win, the forward also opened up about his struggle for goals and how he only wants to play well and score goals. He also stated that he’s starting to ‘get into the rhythm’ and that he’s ready to play in ‘any’ position.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti also spoke about the same as he complemented both Vinicius and Mbappe for ‘getting better’ gradually. The Brazilian set up Mbappe for his goal with a generous assist, setting up the latter with an easy finish into an empty net. Ancelotti however ensured that Mbappe did revert to his ‘original’ position for the previous game.
KYLIAN MBAPPÉ VS LEGANÉS:
— Drix ? (@drixmas) November 24, 2024
• 1 goal
• 5 shots (3 on target)
• 2 successful dribbles (66%)
• 5 duels won (83%)
• 3 fouls won
WOW! ?? pic.twitter.com/vdpwypVaxy
As the season begins to heat up, the pressure falls on Mbappe and the rest of his teammates to perform. With a top 8 finish in the UCL Madrid’s first priority, failure to do so will make many question whether it was worth all the trouble to bring Mbappe to the club.
Stay Updated!
Sherwin Shaju
(1306 Articles Published)