Mbappe a 'problem' for Real Madrid

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 21 Sep 2024 11:03 CDT
• 3 min read

Kylian Mbappe has been branded “a problem” for Real Madrid just a matter of weeks after arriving at the club.

Mbappe made his long-awaited move to the Bernabeu during the summer as he left PSG at the end of his contract.

He has made a promising start to life in the Spanish capital, scoring five goals in seven matches. His latest came against Stuttgart in the Champions League in midweek.

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Experienced coach Paco Jemez has explained why Mbappe poses an issue to Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

“Kylian Mbappe is undoubtedly one of the best in the world. But as a coach, even if he is the best in the world, if he makes me change the way I play, that's a problem for me,” he told Sport.

“We can look for solutions, but I think Madrid worked very well last year. The problem is that if, by bringing in one player, you have to change the way you play to accommodate him, then you have a problem. But in my opinion, Ancelotti will find a solution. Otherwise, no one would.”

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How Real Madrid have changed with Mbappe

Mbappe has slotted into the No.9 role at the forefront of the Real Madrid team. This has come as a little surprise given that it is a role he has made it clear he does not enjoy playing, preferring, instead, to feature on the left wing, where Vinicius Junior holds down the starting spot.

Madrid have typically used a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation since Mbappe arrived, but in the big games last season they often operated in a 4-3-1-2.

In the latter system, Jude Bellingham was given greater freedom to push forwards, while Rodrygo and Vini Jr were given the liberty to find spaces in opposing defences at their discretion.

With Mbappe in the Real Madrid side, these players have lost some of their independence and have more defined roles. This, however, will no doubt develop as the season progresses.