How BAD Is Kylian Mbappe Actually?

Summary

Kylian Mbappé’s early days at Real Madrid have been underwhelming, despite high expectations following his marquee signing. His preferred playing style, relying on speed and dribbling, has clashed with the team’s tactical setup, particularly the number nine role. Early struggles, including offside issues and low goal conversion, have fueled criticism. The disruption of the team’s fluid attacking system, once thriving with Jude Bellingham, has compounded the issue. While adaptation to La Liga is necessary, the immense pressure on Mbappé has magnified his difficulties. Despite flashes of brilliance, the question remains: can he elevate his game to match the demands of Madrid and La Liga?

Takeaways

• 😀 Mbappé's transition to Real Madrid has been difficult, with his performances falling short of expectations so far.
• 😀 Despite his world-class status, Mbappé has struggled in key games, including El Clásico, failing to deliver impactful contributions.
• 😀 Mbappé has had issues with timing his runs and has been caught offside a staggering eight times in recent matches.
• 😀 Real Madrid's tactical setup, especially in the number 9 role, doesn't align well with Mbappé's strengths, which include speed and dribbling.
• 😀 The club's heavy reliance on Vinícius Júnior for attacking play has overshadowed Mbappé's role in the team.
• 😀 Mbappé's shot conversion rate has dipped, despite taking a high number of shots, highlighting a lack of clinical finishing.
• 😀 Real Madrid's midfield, without a player like Toni Kroos, is not providing the necessary support for Mbappé to thrive in attack.
• 😀 There is a significant disconnect between Mbappé's preferred style of play and how Real Madrid’s system operates, particularly in their wide-based attack.
• 😀 The arrival of Mbappé has led to tactical shifts at Real Madrid, which has impacted the performance of other key players like Jude Bellingham.
• 😀 Mbappé needs more time to adapt to La Liga, a tougher league, and Real Madrid’s playing style, but this time may not be readily given by fans and the media.

Q & A

What has been the general perception of Kylian Mbappé's time at Real Madrid so far?

Kylian Mbappé's time at Real Madrid has been underwhelming, with many perceiving it as a struggle. Despite being highly anticipated, his performance has been inconsistent, with flashes of brilliance but also significant setbacks.

How does Mbappé's playing style impact his fit at Real Madrid?

Mbappé's playing style, characterized by relying on speed and dribbling to break through defenses, doesn’t align well with the typical number nine role at Real Madrid. His preference for making runs off the shoulder rather than holding up the ball has created challenges in integrating him into the team's system.

What tactical change at Real Madrid has affected Mbappé's performance?

The tactical shift at Real Madrid, with a change in formation to a 4-3-3 setup, has moved key players like Jude Bellingham away from attacking roles, affecting the team's fluidity. This change, which was partly made to accommodate Mbappé, seems to have hindered both the team's attacking rhythm and Mbappé's ability to perform.

What has been Mbappé's contribution to Real Madrid in terms of goals?

Mbappé has contributed with some goals, including a notable one in his competitive debut in the UEFA Super Cup. However, his goal tally has been inconsistent, and most of his goals have come from penalties rather than open play, highlighting his struggle to convert chances during regular play.

What has been a key struggle for Mbappé when playing for Real Madrid?

A key struggle for Mbappé has been his inability to time his runs effectively, as evidenced by being caught offside multiple times. His lack of physicality and inability to hold the ball up in a traditional number nine role have also been significant issues.

How has the arrival of Mbappé affected other players, like Jude Bellingham?

The arrival of Mbappé has caused a tactical shift at Real Madrid that has impacted Jude Bellingham's performance. Bellingham, who was thriving in an attacking role, has been pushed further back in the midfield, limiting his goal-scoring opportunities and overall influence on the game.

What is the underlying reason behind Mbappé's struggles at Real Madrid?

The underlying reason for Mbappé's struggles is the adjustment required to fit into a new tactical system and a more competitive league like La Liga. The adaptation to new teammates and a different footballing environment has affected his performances, though he is still getting used to Real Madrid's style.

How does Mbappé's shot conversion rate this season compare to other top players?

Mbappé's shot conversion rate this season stands at just 20.69%, significantly lower than that of players like Robert Lewandowski, who boasts a conversion rate of 38.89%. This reflects his struggles to be clinical in front of goal despite taking numerous shots.

What does Mbappé need to do to succeed at Real Madrid moving forward?

Mbappé needs to better understand his role as a number nine, which involves more than just making runs; he must also hold up the ball and link play like Karim Benzema did. Additionally, he needs to adjust to the faster pace of La Liga and work on his chemistry with his teammates.

Why is it too early to label Mbappé's time at Real Madrid as a failure?

It's too early to label Mbappé's time at Real Madrid as a failure because he has only been at the club for a few months. Adaptation takes time, and while there have been struggles, he still has the potential to find his rhythm and contribute significantly to the team in the long run.