Kylian Mbappé's arrival at Real Madrid was met with immense fanfare, with many expecting him to instantly elevate the team to new heights. However, the integration hasn't been seamless, and there have been instances where Mbappé's performances have been overshadowed. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, consistency has been an issue, and at times, the team's overall structure has appeared disjointed.
One of the challenges for Real Madrid has been finding the right tactical setup to maximize Mbappé's impact while also accommodating other key players. Carlo Ancelotti has experimented with different formations, including a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-3-3, aiming to create a system that allows Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo to thrive in attack alongside Jude Bellingham in midfield. The fluidity of these formations intends to give them more options in the center and less space between the players. A key aspect of Real Madrid's approach is building from the back, using the goalkeeper to create numerical advantages and patiently probing for openings. Fluid positional interchanges and a high backline are also prioritized to maintain possession and compress the space, aiding in counter-pressing.
However, opponents have found ways to disrupt Real Madrid's rhythm and exploit any lack of cohesion. For instance, in a match against Arsenal, Real Madrid's 4-4-2 defensive shape was tested, and Arsenal effectively adapted their attacking combinations to expose the Madrid's uncertainties in midfield. The initial plan involved a high press, but the team soon dropped deeper, and their midfield narrowed to limit access to Arsenal's key players. This tactical analysis highlights the importance of adaptability and addressing vulnerabilities in Real Madrid's setup.
Mbappé's individual performances have also been subject to scrutiny. While he has scored goals and contributed to some important victories, there have been periods where his scoring touch has deserted him. There was a recent scoring slump where he only scored one goal in eight matches. There have been instances where Mbappé's body language has been interpreted as frustration, such as when he walked straight off the pitch after a win against Atletico Madrid. Despite these challenges, Mbappé has demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League. He has 28 goals in 38 matches for Real Madrid.
Ultimately, Real Madrid's success hinges on their ability to integrate Mbappé seamlessly into their tactical framework and foster a cohesive team dynamic. Ancelotti's tactical acumen will be crucial in finding the right balance and ensuring that Mbappé's talents are not overshadowed but amplified within the team's overall structure. While there have been initial challenges and some shapelessness in their play, the potential for Real Madrid to become a dominant force with Mbappé in their ranks remains.
