Former Real Madrid Coach Points Out Kylian Mbappe’s La Liga Struggles
Real Madrid’s marquee signing, Kylian Mbappe, made his mark in Spanish football with a goal and a penalty against RCD Mallorca on Sunday. Despite his promising start, adapting to La Liga hasn’t been smooth sailing for the 25-year-old.
Former Real Madrid coach Álvaro Benito shared insights on Cadena SER, noting that while Mbappe has had a challenging start, matches against more open teams like Betis or in the Champions League could be more favorable. “Betis will push the game, and in the Champions League, where teams tend to play more openly, Mbappe will find more opportunities to shine,” Benito explained.
Benito highlighted that Mbappe’s struggles stem from his role as a center-forward, which contrasts with his natural preference to operate from the left wing. While Mbappe’s skill and movement make him a constant threat, Benito pointed out that his back-to-goal play is a weak point.
As Real Madrid faces teams that press or sit deep, such as Valladolid, Mallorca, and Las Palmas, Mbappe’s role will be crucial. The anticipated return of Jude Bellingham could provide added support and space, enhancing Mbappe’s effectiveness on the pitch.Kylian Mbappe’s start in La Liga with Real Madrid has been a mixed bag, despite his early impact with a goal and a penalty against RCD Mallorca. According to former Real Madrid coach Álvaro Benito, speaking on Cadena SER, Mbappe’s adaptation to the league has presented some challenges. Benito noted that while Mbappe’s talent is undeniable, his current role as a center-forward is not his natural position, which affects his performance.
Benito pointed out that Mbappe prefers to operate from the left wing, where he can utilize his speed and dribbling skills more effectively. In his current position, he struggles with back-to-goal play, which is not his strongest suit. However, Benito believes Mbappe could thrive in more open matches, such as those against Real Betis or in the Champions League, where teams are likely to attack more, providing him with more space to exploit.
Additionally, the return of Jude Bellingham to the Real Madrid lineup could be a significant factor. Bellingham’s presence could create more space and support for Mbappe, allowing him to be more effective against teams that defend deep, such as Valladolid, Mallorca, and Las Palmas. With adjustments and the right support, Mbappe could soon find his stride in Spanish football.
