The short answer is "no"—at least, not immediately. Heres why:
While Mbappé's transfer to Real Madrid isn’t yet finalized, official discussions about how he would fit into the team have already begun. These discussions have not only permeated fan debates and media coverage but have also been a central topic during Real Madrid board meetings in December and January. Ultimately, it was decided to bring the French national team captain to the Spanish capital.
The Anticipated Transfer
Kylian Mbappé is set to join Real Madrid as a free agent this summer, with reports suggesting a signing fee of €100 million.
A Grand Debut
The 25-year-old forward wasted no time making an impression. During his debut in mid-August, he helped Real Madrid secure the UEFA Super Cup with a 2-0 win over Atalanta. However, it wasn’t until mid-September that he scored his first La Liga goal—a brace in the second half against Real Betis.
As expected, adapting to a team undergoing significant changes takes time, and Mbappé is gradually finding his place within the squad.
The much-anticipated transfer was finally completed on July 16, and the excitement surrounding his arrival was palpable. A staggering 80,000 fans attended his unveiling ceremony, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti and his team watching from Valdebebas. Real Madrid legends like Raúl and Álvaro Arbeloa were also present to witness the historic moment.
Mbappé’s parents, Fayza Lamari and Wilfried, were visibly emotional, and the press conference that followed was a resounding success. The French star confidently addressed 400 journalists in Spanish without the need for a translator, leaving fans and social media followers captivated.
Displaying his compassionate side, Mbappé sent an encouraging message to young center-back Jon Martínez, who recently suffered an ACL injury, expressing hope for future collaboration on the pitch.
Early Struggles in La Liga
Mbappé’s journey in La Liga hasn’t been entirely smooth. He underperformed in his opening matches, including a lackluster showing in a 3-0 victory over Real Valladolid. Real Madrid’s attack often appeared disjointed, particularly with both Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. operating on the left wing.
The third weeks match against Las Palmas proved particularly challenging. Media scrutiny intensified as Mbappé showed visible frustration with Vinícius over some on-pitch decisions. Off the field, the French star faced further setbacks when hackers targeted his social media accounts, posting offensive content.
Under Carlo Ancelottis 4-3-3 formation, Mbappé primarily plays as a central striker, relying on support from midfield dynamo “Jude Bellingham” and the pace of Vinícius on the left. This has sparked debate over whether Mbappé should continue in the center-forward role, but Ancelotti remains steadfast in his tactics.
Comparisons to Benzema
The coaching staff has compared Mbappé to Karim Benzema, noting his lack of high pressing when off the ball. Tracking back and positional awareness remain areas of focus for improvement. However, Mbappé’s strengths, such as exploiting blind spots and his clinical finishing, are undeniable.
Vinícius and Rodrygos support has been deemed critical. Vinícius, in particular, demonstrated improved physicality during the Betis match. As time goes on, Mbappé’s relationships with his teammates should strengthen, allowing the team to refine their playing style around him.
Ancelotti might also consider shifting Mbappé to his preferred left-wing position while deploying Vinícius as a secondary striker. This adjustment could help Mbappé unlock his full potential and boost his confidence.
Adjusting to a New League
Adapting to a new league is never easy, especially for players who have spent their entire careers in a single competition. While Mbappé’s talent and ability are unquestionable, doubts linger among Madrid fans about how quickly he can adapt to life in the Spanish capital.
Football history is filled with players who have faced similar challenges. Current teammate Vinícius Jr. needed two full seasons to settle before becoming a star at Real Madrid. Icons like Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, and Luka Modrić also struggled initially but eventually became club legends.
Conclusion
Mbappés time to shine has arrived. His skills and talent make him a standout in this 15-time Champions League-winning team, but the journey to fully integrate and thrive will take time and patience. With the right adjustments and support, his place among Madrid’s greats seems inevitable.
Comments
Post a Comment