Kylian Mbappé's Struggles: A Growing Liability for Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappé’s struggles at Real Madrid have reached a concerning point, and the team’s mounting frustrations are becoming harder to ignore. Despite arriving with immense expectations, Mbappé’s performances have left much to be desired, especially following Vinicius Jr.'s injury. With both Vinicius and Rodrygo unavailable, the French forward was expected to step up and take control of the left-wing role. Instead, his lack of form has become a major issue for Madrid, casting doubt on whether he can rediscover his best.
At first glance, nine goals by late November might seem acceptable, but Mbappé’s struggles are more than just a dry spell. His performances on the pitch show signs of a player battling with his confidence, rather than his physical abilities. Inside the club, it’s believed that Mbappé’s problems are rooted in mental issues, not tactical ones. A source close to Madrid’s training sessions described Mbappé as a player with remarkable speed, yet one who consistently misses chances with wild or weak shots—reminiscent of Vinicius Jr.'s early days at the club.
Mbappé’s dribbling stats might look decent, but closer inspection reveals that most of his attempts are far less effective than they appear. He’s ranked fifth in successful dribbles in Europe’s top five leagues, but much of that success is based on sharp turns that rarely result in breakthroughs or goals. When he does manage to beat a defender, his confidence in finishing is shaky, leaving fans and teammates alike unsure of his ability to deliver when it counts.
As the season progresses, his confidence continues to plummet. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti recently addressed the issue, suggesting patience is key, and that missing a penalty or a few chances is part of a striker’s journey. But the bigger concern is that this “transitory” phase is lasting longer than expected, and with Vinicius sidelined for at least a month, Mbappé’s struggles are becoming more damaging.
The real problem, however, is Mbappé’s lack of defensive contribution. Unlike his attacking teammates, such as Vinicius, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham, who consistently press and work hard to win the ball back, Mbappé seems uninterested in tracking back or applying defensive pressure. His carelessness with possession and reluctance to defend were evident in the Champions League clash against Liverpool, where his mistakes directly led to opportunities for the opposition. This lack of work rate increases the burden on other players like Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Federico Valverde, who have to cover for Mbappé’s deficiencies.
There is no simple solution to this issue. Mbappé is not an aging star winding down his career; he is a young, high-profile player who must adapt and find his rhythm at Madrid quickly. The team can’t afford to wait indefinitely for him to regain his confidence. If he doesn’t improve soon, Real Madrid may find themselves struggling to compete at the highest level.
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