Kylian Mbappe’s Rise at Real Madrid: A Journey to Becoming the Main Man
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| SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES |
Now that the ink has dried, the focus shifts to the field. Will Mbappe prove to be the world’s best at the biggest club in football? With his first Champions League appearance for Real Madrid looming, many wonder how the French striker will adapt to his new surroundings and what challenges lie ahead.
How Mbappe Fits Into Real Madrid’s Star-Studded Lineup
Real Madrid boasts an enviable attacking line, featuring stars like Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and the emerging Jude Bellingham. These young talents have already proven their worth in European football, making the competition fierce for attacking roles in the starting lineup. Mbappe, known for his versatility and speed, is expected to make a significant impact. But the question remains: How will Mbappe integrate into a team full of attacking flair?
Mbappe’s natural position leans toward the left-wing, an area already occupied by Vinicius. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti now faces the challenge of finding the perfect balance between these two talented forwards. Ancelotti has granted Mbappe the freedom to roam, allowing him to play centrally as a number nine or drift to the left. However, this flexibility has created occasional friction with Vinicius, who prefers operating in the same space. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these two forwards coexist and collaborate on the field.
Mbappe’s Humble Attitude Surprises Real Madrid Insiders
Despite arriving with an illustrious career and multiple accolades, Mbappe’s humility has caught many at Real Madrid by surprise. Insiders expected a superstar with a certain level of ego, but instead, they found a player willing to adapt and work hard for his new team. His attitude since joining the club has been exemplary, a stark contrast to the diva-like traits often associated with top players.
This humility wasn’t always part of Mbappe’s character. During his early years at PSG under manager Unai Emery, Mbappe was vocal about his desire to play every match and dictate his position on the field. At that time, he strongly resisted playing as a number nine. However, at Real Madrid, he has embraced the role of a central striker, even though it requires fewer touches and less involvement in build-up play. This newfound willingness to adapt has earned him the respect of both teammates and coaching staff.
Challenges in Real Madrid’s Midfield: The Impact on Mbappe
While Mbappe's attitude has been praised, Real Madrid’s midfield has struggled without the presence of Toni Kroos, who retired from active play. Without Kroos' vision and passing accuracy, Real Madrid’s fluidity in attack has diminished, making life harder for forwards like Mbappe and Vinicius. The team’s reliance on midfield creativity to break down defensive lines has left the forwards at times isolated, unable to exploit their speed and movement effectively.
Despite these challenges, Mbappe has managed to score four goals in his first six appearances, though two of those came from the penalty spot. While he endured a three-game goal drought early in the season, only a small fraction of the media placed him under pressure, perhaps recognizing that he is still adapting to his new environment.
Ancelotti’s Tactical Dilemma: Balancing Mbappe, Vinicius, and Rodrygo
As the season unfolds, Ancelotti is likely to face further tactical decisions. In high-stakes matches, the Italian manager will likely start Mbappe alongside Vinicius and Rodrygo in a front three. However, as seen in Real Madrid’s recent 2-0 victory against Real Sociedad, the team sometimes lines up in a 4-4-2 formation, giving Mbappe and Vinicius the freedom to decide their positioning on the field.
While Mbappe has seamlessly adapted to the team’s tactical demands, there is still work to be done in terms of chemistry, especially with Vinicius. In the early matches of the season, the two stars rarely passed to each other, highlighting a lack of connection. However, in the recent win over Sociedad, their link-up play improved significantly, indicating that the partnership is evolving.
Mbappe’s Commercial Power and Influence at Real Madrid
Off the pitch, Mbappe’s commercial presence has been undeniable. Retaining 80% of his image rights, he is one of the most marketable athletes in the world. Real Madrid has leveraged his global appeal, strategically promoting him across various regions. His arrival not only boosts the team’s on-field performance but also enhances its commercial revenue, making him a valuable asset both financially and sportingly.
Mbappe’s confidence in his future role at Real Madrid is apparent. He understands the need for patience, especially when it comes to penalty-taking duties, which he currently shares with Vinicius. But Mbappe is convinced that as he continues to grow within the team, he will eventually take over full responsibility for penalties. Until then, he is willing to follow the established protocol, trusting that his time to shine will come soon.
The Vinicius-Mbappe Dynamic: Tension or Growth?
With Mbappe’s arrival, Vinicius finds himself in a unique position. As the previous poster boy for Real Madrid’s attack, Vinicius is now adjusting to sharing the spotlight. While there are subtle indications of tension between the two, particularly regarding their positioning on the field, Real Madrid’s management has made it clear that Mbappe is their long-term star.
Rumors have surfaced suggesting that if push came to shove, the club would part ways with Vinicius for a hefty sum, rather than risk losing Mbappe. For now, however, the two are working toward building a strong partnership, recognizing that their success hinges on their ability to collaborate effectively.
Mbappe’s Journey in Madrid: A Star on the Rise
As Real Madrid embarks on a grueling stretch of seven matches in 21 days, including crucial La Liga and Champions League fixtures, Mbappe is beginning to find his rhythm. His performance against Real Sociedad, where he was more involved in playmaking and made numerous runs with the ball, demonstrated his growing confidence. Although not yet at his peak, Mbappe’s influence on the team is becoming increasingly evident.
While the media continues to scrutinize every move, both on and off the pitch, it’s clear that Mbappe is destined to become the main man at Real Madrid. His journey from Paris to Madrid has not been without its challenges, but his talent, determination, and humility suggest that it’s only a matter of time before he solidifies his status as the world’s best footballer at the world’s biggest club.
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