Why Kylian Mbappé’s struggles are more than just positioning at Real Madrid

From missed penalties to lost dominance: has the once unstoppable Frenchman run out of excuses?

When Vinícius Júnior's injury reshuffled Real Madrid's attack, it opened up a curious opportunity: Kylian Mbappé finally took his favored spot on the left wing, the position where he earned stardom at PSG. Glimpses of this shift looked promising in a match against Leganés, where his involvement and influence seemed greater. However, the real test came on one of football's biggest stages: Anfield. With Madrid under pressure in the Champions League and Mbappe himself reeling from a disappointing performance in El Clásico, it was expected that he would rise to the occasion.

Instead, the Frenchman's performance only got worse – Arne Slot's Reds dominated – and the debate over his form could no longer be deflected by discussions about his positioning. Florentino Pérez's observation about 2022 sounds louder than ever: this is not the situation that Mbappé Real Madrid had in mind.

From El Clásico flashes to the shadows of Anfield

Despite his shortcomings in El Clásico, Mbappé at least showed signs of being a threat. He scored three shots on target, forced saves from Barcelona's Iñaki Peña and even had a goal disallowed for offside. His performance against Liverpool, on the other hand, was much more disappointing.

At Anfield, Mbappe's numbers told the story of a player struggling to make his mark. With just two attempts (less than a season average of 4.7), just one on target and three successful dribbles from six attempts, his presence was muted. Worse, these efforts failed to create significant opportunities. He also had the lowest completion percentage (75%) among his teammates and was responsible for 15 turnovers – the most of any Madrid player that night. To top it all off, he missed a penalty that could have resulted in a crucial equalizer.

Decent numbers, disappointing impact

Mbappe's tally this season stands at nine goals in 18 games – respectable, but a far cry from his PSG days, where he scored an astonishing 44 in 48 games last season. Alarmingly, his goals for Madrid lack the flair and variety that once defined his style. Of the nine, three have come from penalties, and only two bore the mark of the thrilling players fans once adored: a clever partnership with Jude Bellingham against Alavés and a long-range rocket at Balaídos.

The dynamic, ruthless striker who famously forced Gerard Piqué into a desperate jersey-yank during his hat-trick at Camp Nou seems a distant memory.

Mbappé falls short in big moments

Mbappé's struggles are most evident in matches where the stakes are high. Although he started the season well with a goal against Atalanta to win the UEFA Super Cup, his contributions in five key matches – against Atalanta, Dortmund, Barcelona, ​​Milan and Liverpool – were minimal. One goal and one assist are all he has to show for his efforts in these big games.

Criticism from all sides

Mbappé is increasingly under scrutiny in France. RMC Sport commentator Daniel Riolo didn't hold back and said: “Mbappe looks completely lost. Even the way he hits the ball is not good. He radiates fear and no longer looks like a football player. He can't run, move or accomplish anything on the field. Have you ever seen a player disappear like that?”

Lewandowski versus Mbappé: a stark contrast

While Mbappé remains prolific in attempts (57 in La Liga, including 27 on target), his finishing leaves much to be desired. By comparison, Robert Lewandowski has taken fewer shots (47) but has the same number on target, which equates to 15 goals – more than double Mbappe's seven. The Polish striker's conversion rate of 32% dwarfs Mbappe's paltry 12%.

The difference extends to the Champions League. Mbappé is the second most prolific shooter (22 attempts), behind Erling Haaland (28) and tied with Harry Kane. But while Haaland and Kane have scored five goals each, Mbappe has scored just one – a tap-in against Stuttgart. His expected goals (xG) in Europe is 3.5, but his conversion rate of 4.5% underlines his inefficiency. In contrast, Lewandowski, the tournament's top scorer with seven goals, has an astonishing conversion rate of 47%.

What comes next for Mbappe?

Even if his form has faltered, the support within the Madrid camp remains unwavering. Manager Carlo Ancelotti emphasized patience, saying: “It is a difficult time for him, but we are all behind him. The solution is simple: play calmly, concentrate on the basics, and the goals will come. This is temporary: Mbappé is an extraordinary player.”

While patience is a virtue, the question lingers: how long can Real Madrid wait for their superstar to rediscover his spark? Next: Getafe, Athletic and Girona in LaLiga, then Atalanta in the Champions League… all within 10 days.

Original article written by Manu de Juan, translated with the help of AI and edited by Calum Roche