The captain of France, Kylian Mbappe, has faced significant challenges since his transfer to the Spanish capital, both on and off the pitch. However, he finally broke his scoring drought, netting his first goal in five matches during Sunday’s La Liga clash against Leganes.
In a strategic move by coach Carlo Ancelotti, Mbappe was deployed on the left wing—a position he thrives in—and he promptly delivered by opening the scoring at Butarque stadium, capitalizing on a well-crafted opportunity.
While Vinicius Junior was pivotal in creating that scoring chance, his absence for over three weeks due to injury now places a heavier burden on Mbappe to take charge and enhance Real Madrid’s attacking prowess in the upcoming fixtures, with the next major test coming at Anfield against Liverpool.
Liverpool currently sits at the top of the Champions League group table, while the defending champions, Real Madrid, find themselves in a surprising 18th place following unexpected defeats to Lille and AC Milan in their first four group stage matches.
Notably, Vinicius managed to find the net four times in those Champions League games, contrasting sharply with Mbappe’s solitary goal, raising concerns about the French forward’s impact on the European stage.
Although he boasts a decent tally of seven goals in 12 La Liga appearances, some fans and analysts feel Mbappe’s performances have not met the high expectations that come with his superstar status, especially given the pressure he is under. The French forward has reported being overlooked in his country’s squad for the last two international breaks, yet remains optimistic about finding his rhythm. “I think I put in a good performance, and I’m starting to get up to speed with my team-mates,” he expressed to Real Madrid TV after the win against Leganes, a result that propelled the Spanish champions into second place in La Liga.
“I can play in every position and I’m ready to help the team and give my all,” he added, highlighting his versatility. “I play on the right, on the left, in the middle, and with two up top. It doesn’t matter to me. I want to help the team and score goals.”
Tactical question
Ancelotti had previously hesitated to position Mbappe on the left side of the pitch, favoring Vinicius, who also enjoys that flank over playing centrally. However, following Mbappe’s struggles as a central striker, where he netted just once in seven matches prior to the Leganes encounter, the coach opted to switch the two players, citing a fitness issue as the deciding factor.
“Playing on the outside is more tiring than through the middle; Vinicius returned from international duty on Thursday and Mbappe was fresher than Vinicius,” Ancelotti pointed out. “He scored a goal with a fantastic assist from Vini Junior—they’re both improving bit by bit.”
With the upcoming fixture against Liverpool, Ancelotti will need to reassess his tactics. Mbappe might be paired in a two-man strike force alongside Jude Bellingham, who has been adjusted to a deeper role this season.
Bellingham played an essential part in the attack last season, strategically stepping into the gap left by Karim Benzema’s exit. However, with Mbappe now in the fold, Ancelotti has had to shift Bellingham back to a deeper position to find a more balanced setup.
With a string of injuries to key players—Vinicius, Rodrygo, and Lucas Vazquez, coupled with long-term issues for Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, and Eder Militao—Real Madrid’s squad depth has been significantly challenged.
Amidst these challenges, Mbappe is also dealing with off-field pressures, including being linked to a rape investigation in Sweden, which he has strongly denounced as “fake news.” Additionally, he is entangled in a legal dispute with former club PSG over millions in unpaid wages.
Ancelotti labeled the speculation regarding the striker’s mental health as “ugly” and expressed confidence that Mbappe’s form would eventually improve. The much-needed goal against Leganes alleviated some pressure on his shoulders, but Madrid will be looking for a continued scoring impact from him as they prepare to face Liverpool.
How does Kylian Mbappé’s versatility contribute to Real Madrid’s tactical flexibility amid injuries?
**Interview with Football Analyst on Kylian Mbappé’s Recent Performance**
**Host:** Welcome to today’s segment, where we’ll be diving into Kylian Mbappé’s recent challenges and his comeback with Real Madrid. We have football analyst Alex Martinez with us. Thanks for joining, Alex!
**Alex Martinez:** Thanks for having me! Excited to discuss Mbappé’s situation.
**Host:** Let’s start with his recent performance. Kylian Mbappé finally broke his scoring drought against Leganés after going five matches without a goal. How significant is this goal for him?
**Alex Martinez:** It’s a crucial goal for Mbappé, especially given the pressure he’s been under since moving to Madrid. Scoring can be a big confidence booster, and it’s clear he thrives on the left wing where he opened the scoring at Butarque. This goal not only ended his drought but also showed his ability to capitalize on opportunities, particularly in a position he is most comfortable in.
**Host:** Speaking of his position, coach Carlo Ancelotti decided to deploy him on the left wing, contrasting with previous strategies. Do you think this tactical adjustment is key for his performance moving forward?
**Alex Martinez:** Absolutely. Ancelotti’s decision to position him on the left is a smart move. Mbappé has struggled as a central striker, and deploying him on the left allows him to utilize his pace and dribbling skills more effectively. This is also critical now that Vinicius Junior is out with an injury, placing more responsibility on Mbappé to lead the attack.
**Host:** That leads us to the upcoming match against Liverpool. Real Madrid is currently in a tough situation, sitting 18th in the Champions League group. How do you see Mbappé’s role in that match?
**Alex Martinez:** Mbappé will need to step up significantly. With Liverpool at the top of the group, this match is a must-win for Madrid. He’s capable of creating chances and finishing them — something he will have to do to relieve the burden on the team after a rocky start to their campaign.
**Host:** His current tally of seven goals in 12 La Liga appearances is decent, but some analysts feel he hasn’t met the high expectations. What do you think explains this disconnect?
**Alex Martinez:** The expectations for a player of his stature are incredibly high, and while seven goals is a solid return, it’s not quite reflective of his potential or past performances. The pressure from both fans and media can weigh heavily, and we’ve seen it affect players before. Additionally, missing out on international appearances might also play into his state of mind. However, his recent comments about feeling more in sync with his teammates suggest he’s optimistic about turning things around.
**Host:** He’s expressed his readiness to play in various positions and help the team. How important is this versatility for Real Madrid moving forward?
**Alex Martinez:** Versatility is invaluable, especially for a team dealing with injuries and form issues. Mbappé’s willingness to play multiple roles means Ancelotti can be more flexible with his tactics. It can also serve to confuse opponents, granting Madrid an edge as they navigate a tough schedule. If Mbappé can find his rhythm and build chemistry with his teammates, he can be the difference-maker in their upcoming matches.
**Host:** Thanks for those insights, Alex. It’s clear that Mbappé’s journey at Real Madrid is just beginning, and we’ll be watching closely as he tries to reclaim his stellar form.
**Alex Martinez:** Thank you for having me! Looking forward to seeing how this unfolds.
**Host:** That wraps up our interview today. Stay tuned for more updates on Kylian Mbappé and Real Madrid’s campaign!
