Kylian Mbappe hasn’t been able to fully utilize his strengths as a “number 9,” as evidenced when he was pushed into that role for the French national team at EURO 2024. Forcing the former PSG star to play as a central striker under coach Carlo Ancelotti might be a mistake.
Mbappe was the “blockbuster” signing for Real Madrid during the summer transfer window of 2024, but he has been disappointing in recent matches. The French international has gone scoreless in two consecutive rounds of La Liga for the 2024/25 season. Although he scored in the UEFA Super Cup match against Atalanta, Mbappe did not perform particularly well.
The main reason for Mbappe’s alarming form could be attributed to how coach Ancelotti has set up the team. In recent games, the Italian tactician has deployed Real Madrid in a 4-3-3 formation, with Mbappe playing as the “number 9” and Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo Goes on the wings. However, it seems the former PSG star has yet to adapt to this role.
Mbappe has often appeared hesitant in his movements and in linking up with his teammates, which has led to a drop in confidence and misaligned shots. Despite having scoring opportunities in the recent games against Mallorca and Valladolid, Mbappe failed to capitalize.
Mbappe was the top scorer at the 2022 World Cup and consistently finished as the top scorer in Ligue 1 in recent seasons. However, this success came when he played as a left winger, where he had the space to showcase his speed and technique, often contributing with assists as well.
At Real Madrid, however, Vinicius Jr excels on the left wing and played a crucial role in winning the La Liga and Champions League double in the 2023/24 season. This has left Ancelotti trying to fit Mbappe into the “number 9” role, which isn’t his natural position, to avoid disrupting Vinicius Jr.
In press conferences, coach Ancelotti has emphasized that Mbappe needs time to adapt to his new environment and position, but forcing him to play as a “number 9” might not be the best approach. Perhaps Carletto should consider moving Mbappe back to the left wing and testing Vinicius Jr as the central striker a role the Brazilian has handled well in certain periods last season.