Why Mbappe is struggling at Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappe’s arrival at Real Madrid was believed by both fans and football pundits to be the start of a new era for the club, but his start this season has been far from the initial expectations. While his individual brilliance is evident, several factors have contributed to his underwhelming performances. This piece is set to delve deeper into the reasons behind his current struggles for the Los Blancos.

Positional conflict

First on the list as reasons for his decline in performance is that Mbappe’s primary strength lies in attacking from the left wing, where he can use his explosive pace and dribbling skills to cut inside and create chances. However, at Real Madrid, the left flank is occupied by Vinícius Jr., who has become indispensable to the team’s attacking setup. This positional clash has forced Mbappe into roles where he appears less natural.

While Mbappe has the speed and finishing ability to play as a forward, he lacks the physical hold-up play and aerial dominance traditionally expected from a No. 9 in Real Madrid’s system. Again, playing on the right limits his ability to cut inside effectively and reduces his goal threat, making him appear isolated at times. The result is an unsettled attack where neither Mbappe nor Vinícius is fully optimized, disrupting Real Madrid’s overall offensive layout.

Tactical adjustments

Carlo Ancelotti faces a significant challenge in integrating Mbappe into a system that already had established dynamics. Historically, Real Madrid has relied on a balanced front three that combines creativity, finishing, and work rate. Mbappe’s arrival has disrupted this balance.

Ancelotti has rotated positions and tactical setups to give more game time to both Mbappe and Vinícius, leading to inconsistent performances. In addition, Mbappe’s high attacking positioning sometimes leaves the team exposed on counterattacks, forcing additional defensive responsibilities on midfielders and full-backs.

This tactical mismatch has led to inefficiencies in Madrid’s build-up play and a disjointed attack that lacks the fluidity seen in past seasons.

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Immense pressure and Expectations

When you had almost 80 thousand persons watching your unveiling for Real Madrid in addition to the over 20 million persons do so via online platforms, you definitely are going to face pressure.

Real Madrid is arguably the most scrutinized football club in the world, with fans and media demanding instant success from big signings.

For Mbappe, the expectations are even higher, his delayed move from Paris Saint-Germain created massive hype, making every misstep magnified under intense public scrutiny.

Mbappe is seen as the successor to Karim Benzema, one of Madrid’s greatest-ever forwards. Filling such shoes has added another layer of pressure, and Benzema’s absence as a mentor has left Mbappe to navigate these expectations largely on his own. This pressure has affected his confidence, with fans quick to criticize his performances in high-stakes games.

Timing of the transfer

Had Mbappe joined Real Madrid earlier, he might have had a clearer pathway to becoming the team’s focal point. Instead, his delayed decision to move to the club as soon as the first opportunity came knocking is probably one reason for his lack of form and limited performance in matches for Real Madrid.

By 2024, Vinícius Jr. had already established himself as one of the best left-wingers in the world, creating positional overlap. The delayed move also meant Mbappé missed the opportunity to build chemistry with Benzema, Luka Modrić, and other senior players during their primes.

This two-year delay has made his adaptation more complex and highlighted the timing mismatch between his arrival and Madrid’s tactical evolution.

Adjustment to La Liga and Spanish defenses

La Liga presents a different challenge compared to Ligue 1, where Mbappé thrived using his pace and directness. In Spain, defenders are more positionally astute, making it harder for Mbappé to exploit spaces with his usual speed bursts.

Real Madrid emphasizes intricate passing and movement, requiring Mbappé to adapt his game. Critics argue that he has yet to master the quick decision-making needed to thrive in Madrid’s system. Yes!!! critics may say that he still performs badly in the Champions League where he had excelled while playing for PSG but a poor performance in the domestic lea

Additionally, his reliance on individual brilliance over collective play has clashed with the team’s structured approach.

Looking ahead: Can Mbappé turn it around?

But the big question is what could happen in the future for Mbappe and can he turn this around.

Despite his struggles, Mbappé remains one of the most talented players in the world. Yes, it is evident that he has fallen short of expectations but there is still the belief that he can succeed and to do that, he needs:

Ancelotti must decide whether to prioritize Mbappe or Vinícius in the left-wing role or devise a system where both can coexist effectively. Mbappe must embrace the challenge of evolving his game to fit Madrid’s style. Again, building confidence through consistent performances in big games could help him win over critics.

If these adjustments are made, Mbappé has the potential to succeed and build a legacy among Real Madrid’s legends. However, failure to address these challenges could lead to prolonged struggles, raising questions about his future in the club.