IMPOSSIBLE for Mbappe to be better than Bellingham 2023-24

Cameron Smith

4 May 2024 19:30 BST
3 min read

Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Do Real Madrid need Kylian Mbappe? The answer is almost certainly no, but the Frenchman is still set to arrive on a free transfer this summer.

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Newly-crowned LaLiga champions Los Blancos have been linked with a move for Mbappe for several years, although he has constantly rejected their approaches in favour of extending his time at Paris Saint-Germain.

His time at the Parc des Princes looks to be coming to an end now, however, and Mbappe is expected to join Real Madrid when his PSG contract expires at the end of June.

Despite the arrival of arguably the world’s best player, it’s almost impossible to imagine a scenario in which a front four consisting of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Mbappe will work harmoniously at Real Madrid.

Carlo Ancelotti will have the best forward line in world football at his disposal, but the legendary manager will have a selection headache when all four players are fully fit.

Furthermore, Mbappe and Vinicius must learn to play together as they both like to operate in the same area on the pitch.

One thing is certain, however, and that’s the fact Mbappe will find it impossible to live up to Bellingham’s debut season at Real Madrid.

Jude Bellingham’s sensational start to life at Real Madrid

In terms of his numbers, Bellingham has racked up 22 goals and 10 assists in all competitions, which is one goal fewer than Vinicius and more than Rodrygo has managed, in an advanced number 10 role in Ancelotti’s 4-4-2 diamond.

The goals may have somewhat dried up in recent weeks, but he made up for it with a stoppage-time winner against Barcelona in El Clasico on 21 April, having netted twice in the reverse fixture earlier this season, and he again scored in the title-deciding fixture against Cadiz on 4 May.

Furthermore, Bellingham’s overall impact has been monumental. His pressing is immense, his technical quality is on another level and he isn’t fazed by any occasion.

In addition, his first touch in the build-up to Rodrygo’s opener against Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-final second-leg was sublime and displaced the level of class Bellingham operates with.

His maturity, both on and off the pitch, is sensational for someone so young and Bellingham is already adored by Los Blancos fans.

Mbappe may arrive and score 50 goals during his debut season at the Santiago Bernabeu, but it’s almost impossible to imagine a scenario in which he performs better than Bellingham in 2023-24.