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Samuel - September 3, 2024
Kylian Mbappe move from Paris Saint Germain to Spanish giants Real Madrid was the biggest transfer of the Summer 2024 window. The French captain won the league title with Paris Saint Germain in 2023/24 season before making his dream move to Real Madrid on a free transfer.
This transfer sparked speculation about how successfully the French international will help the well-established Real Madrid squad win more leagues and silverwares.
Kylian Mbappe made his Real Madrid debut in a 2-0 win over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup Finals, scoring his first goal for the club with a spectacular finish and going on to win his first title with the club.
Meanwhile, football fans and pundits placed a high level of anticipation and pressure on him to have a perfect start in La Liga with numerous goals contributions given his quality, skills and prowess.
However, the perfect dream start to the La Liga season was thwarted as he failed to score in his first three matches before scoring twice in his recent match against Real Betis.
This disappointing start has left fans across the world concerned and wondering if the French star would be a perfect fit for Carlo Ancelotti system and if his move to Real Madrid will be a perfect match.
Therefore, we will examine the factors that are contributing to Mbappe’s underwhelming start in the league as well as how the Superstar can find his groove with the Real Madrid super team.
Disappointment Dilemma
Kylian Mbappe’s struggles at Real Madrid can be attributed to some issues that can be rectified as the season progresses to allow him adapt into the team’s playing style.
One of the key reasons to the Frenchman’s dismal start to the season is lack of pre season preparation. Pre season is always excellent for a new signing heading into a new league to understand and adapt to the manager’s tactics and the teammates strength and weaknesses.
Mbappe missed Real Madrid’s pre season owing to a nose injury sustained during the Euro. He had light training in preparation for his Super Cup debut appearance. Thus, it’s no surprise that the French skipper is struggling to connect with his teammates and adapt to the new league.
Kylian Mbappe’s strongest position is on the left flank; his pace and ability are best suited to that position, where he has scored numerous goals in his career.
However, because Vinicius Jnr played on the left wing, his position was switched to fit in into the striking role as a number 9. This hasn’t really gone well for Mbappe, who continues to struggles in the striking role, limiting his ability to use his pace, dribble and cut into tight spaces.
Real Madrid has struggled in the midfield since the start of the season, with Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga out injured.
The duo are a huge contribution to the team’s midfield strength and since their injuries, Real Madrid has suffered greatly in that area. This has resulted in less service to the frontline, particularly to Kylian Mbappe.
Kylian Mbappe’s first goal for Real Madrid was assisted by Jude Bellingham in the Super cup final, demonstrating a fantastic combination. However, after his injury, Mbappe has been getting less service from the midfield which can be related to his lack of goals.
Since Mbappe’s arrival, La Liga opponents have adopted a low block tactical strategy against Real Madrid to hinder his attacking prowess. This strategy inhibits his ability to run in space and dribble, both of which are among his greatest skills.
Also, opposing teams are utilizing a tactical man marking of 2 vs 1 to hinder his pace and cause him a great deal of trouble.
Carlo Ancelotti has been working on tactical changes to help Kylian Mbappe improve his play, particularly against opponents in the league that use a low block approach.
He has employed a switch in play with the introduction of Fran Garcia during games to overload the Left-Wing position, diverting one of the defenders assigned to Mbappe.
This tactical approach worked well against Real Betis because Mbappe had more room to operate and played to his strengths, and it’s no surprise that he scored two goals.
Also, the return of Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga from injuries will give Mbappe a significant boost in the attacking third. Real Madrid prowess has been severely hampered by a lack of midfield strength, resulting in insufficient supply in the offensive third. Bellingham’s passes and runs will be instrumental to Mbappe’s form, contributing significantly to his goals and assists.
Furthermore, a solid partnership with Vinicius Junior will boost Mbappe’s development in Madrid. The two Superstars must learn and play to their strengths and weaknesses, which can be perfected with time.
Kylian Mbappe is a top player who has proven his worth over the years and there is no dispute about his abilities. Quality players always perform regardless of the circumstances and the French international will be no exception. This is an adaptation season with early positive signs, and we expect the superstar to contribute double figures in goals as the season progresses.
