The Kylian Mbappe era at Real Madrid has not got off to the flying start that was expected as the French forward has failed to score in two league games so far. This wouldn’t be a problem for most strikers, but Mbappe is far from most strikers, who average a goal every 99 minutes played during his career in all competitions. Growing pains are to be expected as Mbappe moves from his favored left side to a central position with a new team, but the shift in attack appears to hurt another Galactico more than Mbappe.
Looking at the numbers in these two matches, Mbappe has made eight shots, putting five on target, for an expected goals ratio of 1.29. Against Real Valladolid, Vinicius Junior and Mbappe combined to create a huge chance that would have 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 before Mbappe finds a scoring streak, but the same can’t be said for Vini Jr.
The Brazilian has scored just three times in his young season as Mbappe’s presence has seen him play a role as a chance creator. Vini Jr. already created nine chances, but only one of them led to an assist. This is after three consecutive La Liga seasons in which Vini Jr. Has scored 10 or more goals for Los Blancos.
When playing alongside Karim Benzema, Vini Jr. still squeezing inside and taking advantage of a true number nine playing headers back to him in the air for him to run onto. That presence is lost on Mbappe, with Madrid looking to beat teams off the dribble or with devastating finishes from outside the penalty area when least expected.
Both are very effective strategies, but playing without a true number nine means more precision is needed in Madrid’s attack, which will cause growing pains. Last season Joselu was able to come off the bench when a good nine was needed, but now he is no longer at the club. The wildcard in all of this is Rodrygo, who has taken the new attacking line-up as his call to appear everywhere.
Like everywhere else:
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Rodrygo has always been a player who pops up on either wing, but with Mbappe and Vini Jr looking to lean towards the left side of the pitch, there will be more space to operate in centrally. If executed properly, this could be the third season in a row that Rodrygo has increased his goal production for Los Blancos, but balance issues could mean there are three players on the left with no one in central position.
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 those stars have different positions. Madrid’s new front three is as fluid as they come, so if the trio can’t figure out where to be, some restrictions may need to be added.
For now, there’s plenty of time to see if the problem resolves itself before Champions League play gets underway again, but Mbappe’s chances of finding the net will eventually do so, giving us a glimpse of their full potential with their new superstar.