Real Madrid’s challenge: Ensuring Mbappé doesn’t obstruct the Benzema-Vinícius connection

Real Madrid put in a dominant performance on Saturday night to defeat Valencia 4-1, with Karim Benzema and Vinícius each scoring a brace. The Frenchman and the Brazilian have developed a special relationship on the pitch and off it, combining so well in Real Madrid’s attack.

Over their 126 games together, Vinícius has assisted 12 Benzema goals and the No.9 has assisted four goals for the No.20. Of those 16 assists they’ve provided to each other, 10 of them have been in the 2021/22 season as they’ve taken their strike partnership to the next level. On Saturday, it was Benzema who fed Vinícius for his magical first goal, while the pair combined several more times on the night.

That kind of relationship takes time to develop and there have been ups and downs along the way, not least with the recording of Benzema’s frustration with the youngster in Mönchengladbach. But, now they’re on the same page and have 36 total goals between them this season, which makes them the second-most prolific front two in European football, only behind Serge Gnabry and Robert Lewandowski.

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If Real Madrid do sign Kylian Mbappé this summer, Carlo Ancelotti will have a happy problem to solve. He’ll need to fit the French superstar into his line-up, while trying to maintain the special connection Benzema and Vinícius have developed.

Asked earlier this season if Mbappé’s arrival would impede Vinícius’ development and opportunities on the left flank, the Italian coach made it clear that nothing and no one should get in the way of the Brazilian’s progress. “Vinícius is a player who has to play on the left and he’ll keep playing on the left, no matter the teammates he has,” was how Ancelotti responded to that question.

With Ancelotti also clear that a 4-3-3 is the best formation for his squad, Mbappé would have to fit in on the right of the front three if Vinícius is staying on the left and Benzema in the middle. There might be moments when Benzema is rested, allowing Mbappé to play as a No.9, but the 34-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down and will still be starting most matches in 2022/23. That means Mbappé should have to play in an unideal position on the right, but as the newcomer he might have to adapt his preferences in order to fit in.

The good news for Real Madrid is that Ancelotti has dealt with similar situations before. The veteran coach has seen it all and enjoys the respect of all players, allowing him to manage such situations in a matter-of-fact way.

For now, Real Madrid are simply enjoy their big lead at the top of LaLiga Santander and the mouth-watering prospect of adding Mbappé into the mix. The task of actually making that work will be one for later in the year.