The Kylian Mbappe era at Real Madrid hasn’t gotten off to the flying start that was expected with the French forward failing to score in two league games so far. For most forwards, this wouldn’t be an issue but Mbappe is far from most forwards averaging a goal every 99 minutes played during his career in all competitions. Growing pains are to be expected with Mbappe moving from his favored left side to a central position with a new team but the shift in the attack seems to be hurting another Galactico more than Mbappe.
Looking at the numbers in these two matches, Mbappe has taken eight shots putting five on target for expected goals number of 1.29. Against Real Valladolid, Vinicius Junior and Mbappe were able to combine on a massive chance that would’ve ended in a goal against most teams and it was a chance that only the duo could create. With that, it’s only a matter of time until Mbappe finds a flurry of goals but the same can’t be said for Vini Jr.
The Brazillian has only taken three shots during the young season as Mbappe’s presence has made him play a role as more of a chance creator. Vini Jr. has already created nine chances but only one has led to an assist. This is after three consecutive La Liga seasons during which Vini Jr. has scored 10 or more goals for Los Blancos.
When playing alongside Karim Benzema, Vini Jr. was still able to pinch inside and take advantage of a true number nine playing headed balls back to him in the air to run onto. That presence is lost with Mbappe with Madrid wanting to beat teams on the dribble or with devastating finishes from outside of the box when they’re least expected.
Both are highly effective strategies but playing without a true number nine means that more precision is required in Madrid’s attack which will cause growing pains. Last season, Joselu was able to come off the bench when a proper nine was needed but now he’s no longer at the club. The wildcard in all of this is Rodrygo who has taken the new attacking setup as his call to pop up everywhere.
Like actually, everywhere:
Rodrygo has always been a player who pops up on both wings but now with Mbappe and Vini Jr wanting to lean to the left side of the pitch, it provides more space centrally to operate in. Executed well, this could be the third consecutive season that Rodrygo has raised his goal output for Los Blancos but the issues with balance can see three players on the left with no one centrally.
It’s where Carlo Ancelotti may need to steer things a bit more than he has in recent years. A manager who wants his players to express their creativity and solve problems on the pitch can be perfect for managing stars provided that those stars have distinct positions. Madrid’s new-look front three is as fluid as they come so if the trio can’t figure out where they should be, that’s where some restrictions may have to be added.
For now, there’s plenty of time to see if the issue solves itself before Champions League play picks up again, but Mbappe’s chances that should be finding the net will eventually do so, allowing us a glimpse into their full potential with their new superstar.
