Bellingham pays the price for Real Madrid’s signing of Mbappe and Ancelotti must find a solution
Real Madrid’s match against Real Mallorca ended in a draw on Sunday evening, marking a disappointing start to the Spanish League season. Despite the high expectations following the signing of French star Kylian Mbappe, the team’s performance did not meet those hopes.
It appears that Mbappe’s arrival might be affecting the team’s dynamics, particularly impacting Jude Bellingham’s performance. Bellingham, known for his freedom on the field, struggled to replicate his usual brilliance during the match against Mallorca. His previous success was largely due to his flexible role, especially notable when Brazilian star Vinicius Junior was injured last season.
With Mbappe now leading the attack and positioned as a central striker alongside Rodrigo and Vinicius Junior on the wings, Carlo Ancelotti has had to adjust his tactics. This setup has relegated Bellingham to a more constrained role as a pivot player, limiting his involvement in playmaking and reducing his effectiveness.
Spanish media have raised concerns that Mbappe’s presence could disrupt Real Madrid’s system. If Bellingham continues in this less dynamic role, it might undermine his potential and hinder the team’s overall performance.The match between Real Madrid and Real Mallorca ending in a draw indeed highlights some emerging concerns for the team, particularly regarding the integration of Kylian Mbappe into the squad. Despite the excitement surrounding Mbappe’s arrival, the adjustment in tactics to accommodate his presence seems to be affecting the team dynamics, especially impacting Jude Bellingham’s performance.
Bellingham, who excelled last season in a more fluid role, is now finding himself constrained due to the tactical shifts necessitated by Mbappe’s central positioning. With Mbappe leading the line and playing alongside Vinicius Junior and Rodrigo on the wings, Bellingham has been pushed into a more restricted midfield role. This has limited his freedom on the pitch, curbing the creativity and dynamism he previously displayed.
Spanish media outlets have noted the potential risks of this new setup, suggesting that Mbappe’s arrival could disrupt the balance within the team. If Bellingham continues to play in a less flexible role, it might stifle his influence on the game, ultimately affecting Real Madrid’s overall performance. Carlo Ancelotti faces a challenge in finding the right tactical balance to ensure both Mbappe and Bellingham can thrive without compromising the team’s effectiveness.