Why Kylian Mbappé’s struggles are more than just positioning at Real Madrid

When Vinícius Júnior’s injury reshuffled Real Madrid’s attack, it opened a curious opportunity: Kylian Mbappé finally took up his preferred spot on the left wing, the position where he earned stardom at PSG. A glimpse of this shift appeared promising in a match against Leganés, where his involvement and influence seemed heightened. However, the true test came on one of football’s biggest stages: Anfield. With Madrid under pressure in the Champions League, and Mbappé himself reeling from a disappointing performance in El Clásico, the expectation was for him to rise to the occasion.

Instead, the Frenchman’s display only worsened – Arne Slot’s Reds dominating – and the debate about his form could no longer be deflected by discussions about his positioning. Florentino Pérez’s 2022 observation rings louder than ever: this isn’t the Mbappé Real Madrid had envisioned.

From El Clásico flashes to Anfield’s shadows

Despite his shortcomings in El Clásico, Mbappé at least showed signs of menace. He managed three shots on target, forced saves from Barcelona’s Iñaki Peña, and even had a goal narrowly ruled out for offside. In contrast, his outing against Liverpool was far more underwhelming.

At Anfield, Mbappé’s numbers told the story of a player struggling to leave his mark. With only two attempts (down from a season average of 4.7), just one on target, and three successful dribbles from six tries, his presence was muted. Worse yet, these efforts failed to create significant chances. He also had the lowest pass completion rate (75%) among his teammates and was responsible for 15 turnovers—the most by any Madrid player that night. To cap off his dismal performance, he missed a penalty that would have secured a crucial equalizer.

Decent numbers, disappointing impact

Mbappé’s tally this season stands at nine goals in 18 appearances—respectable but a far cry from his PSG days, where he netted an astonishing 44 in 48 matches last season. Alarmingly, his goals for Madrid lack the flair and variety that once defined his style. Of the nine, three have come from penalties, and only two carried the hallmark of the electrifying player fans once adored: a clever link-up with Jude Bellingham against Alavés and a long-range rocket at Balaídos.

The dynamic, relentless attacker who famously forced Gerard Piqué into a desperate jersey tug during his hat-trick at Camp Nou seems like a distant memory.

Mbappé falling short in big moments

Mbappé’s struggles are most evident in high-stakes matches. While he began the season on a high note with a goal against Atalanta to clinch the UEFA Super Cup, his contributions in five key clashes—against Atalanta, Dortmund, Barcelona, Milan, and Liverpool—have been minimal. One goal and one assist are all he has to show for his efforts in these marquee games.

Criticism from all sides

In France, Mbappé faces mounting scrutiny. RMC Sport commentator Daniel Riolo didn’t hold back, saying, “Mbappé looks completely lost. Even the way he strikes the ball is off. He exudes anxiety and no longer resembles a football player. He’s unable to run, move, or accomplish anything on the field. Have you ever seen a player fade away like this?”

Lewandowski vs Mbappé: a stark contrast

While Mbappé remains prolific in attempts (57 in La Liga, with 27 on target), his finishing leaves much to be desired. Comparatively, Robert Lewandowski has taken fewer shots (47) but has the same number on target, converting 15 into goals—more than double Mbappé’s seven. The Polish striker’s conversion rate of 32% dwarfs Mbappé’s meager 12%.

The disparity extends to the Champions League. Mbappé is the second-most prolific shooter (22 attempts), behind Erling Haaland (28) and tied with Harry Kane. Yet, while Haaland and Kane boast five goals each, Mbappé has managed just one—a tap-in against Stuttgart. His expected goals (xG) metric in Europe sits at 3.5, but his conversion rate of 4.5% highlights his inefficiency. By contrast, Lewandowski, the tournament’s top scorer with seven goals, boasts an astounding 47% conversion rate.

What comes next for Mbappé?

Even as his form falters, support within Madrid’s camp remains unwavering. Manager Carlo Ancelotti stressed patience, saying, “It’s a tough time for him, but we all stand behind him. The solution is simple: play calmly, focus on the basics, and the goals will come. This is temporary—Mbappé is an extraordinary player.”

While patience is a virtue, the question lingers: how long can Real Madrid wait for their superstar to rediscover his spark? Next up: Getafe, Athletic and Girona in LaLiga, then Atalanta in the Champions League... all within 10 days.

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Original article written by Manu de Juan, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Calum Roche