Mbappe’s Recent Downturn: A Shadow of His Former Self
The criticism of Kylian Mbappe this season has, at times, been exaggerated, but his recent performances have nonetheless raised significant concerns. After a stellar hat-trick against Manchester City in February, it seemed that the French forward was back to his best. However, since then, Mbappe has struggled to replicate that form. Missing the match against Real Sociedad due to a tooth operation, he returned to the field but failed to score against Girona, Real Betis, and Atletico Madrid. In his recent outing against Betis, Mbappe was involved in the team’s only goal at the Benito Villamarin, but his overall impact was minimal, leading to his early substitution.
Disappointing Statistics and Missed Opportunities
Mbappe’s performance against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League was particularly disappointing. He managed just one shot on goal, one dribble, and 14 ball losses, with a success rate of only 2 out of 7 in duels. His passing efficiency was decent at 83%, but the lack of impact in crucial moments was evident. According to Marca, there is growing concern within the club that the Mbappe of November, who struggled with form, is back. This was further exacerbated by a critical moment in the game where Mbappe, presented with an opportunity to set up a clear goal for Vinicius Junior, took an extra touch and played a poor pass, squandering a golden chance.
Coach and Teammate Reactions
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s head coach, has addressed the issue by speaking to both Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, emphasizing the need for more ruthlessness in front of goal, particularly to the French forward. Ancelotti’s message is clear: the team needs their forwards to deliver when it matters most. Captain Luka Modric has also had a conversation with Mbappe, reinforcing the coach’s point. The team’s leadership is clearly trying to galvanize their star players to step up and meet the high standards expected of them.
Defensive Contributions and Team Dynamics
The criticism of Mbappe and Vinicius has not been limited to their offensive shortcomings. Analyst and former Real Madrid coach Alvaro Benito noted on Cadena SER that both players have not fulfilled their defensive duties, causing the team to suffer. When they perform well, the central midfielders can focus more on supporting the attack, reducing the team’s vulnerability. Benito compared their recent performances unfavorably to those of Rodrygo Goes and Brahim Diaz, who not only scored crucial goals against Atletico but also contributed significantly to the team’s defensive efforts. It appears that some players have taken Ancelotti’s pre-match message about team attitude to heart more than others.
The Urge to Score and Its Impact
Mbappe’s desire to score can sometimes cloud his judgment, as seen in the missed opportunity against Atletico. A tweet from Skaime highlighted how Mbappe hesitated, taking an extra touch instead of immediately setting up Vinicius for an open goal. This moment encapsulates the broader issue: Mbappe’s focus on personal goals can sometimes come at the expense of team objectives. The need for balance between individual ambition and team play is more critical now than ever, especially in high-stakes matches like those in the Champions League.
Looking Ahead: Redemption and Revival
Despite the current challenges, there is hope for Mbappe to find his form again. The support from his coach and teammates indicates a commitment to helping him through this rough patch. Real Madrid’s upcoming fixtures will be crucial tests for Mbappe to prove his worth and contribute to the team’s success. The pressure is on, but if he can rediscover the form that made him one of the world’s best, the tide could turn quickly. The world of football will be watching closely to see how the French forward responds to these challenges and whether he can once again become the formidable force he once was.
