Real Madrid is concerned about the situation with two of its key players, Vinicius and Mbappé. Above all, they are worried about how it could affect their performance on the pitch. Vinicius’s low morale was evident in the last league match against Athletic, where he seemed to be struggling.
Vinicius and Mbappé must be much more at Real Madrid
The Brazilian had a great game against the Basque side and was the leader of Carlo Ancelotti’s team, but his body language was that of a completely different player to the one we are used to seeing. In the case of the Frenchman, and in a different way, Madrid fans were also critical of Mbappé, who, even though he was unavailable due to injury (as well as a one-match ban for the foul he committed in the game against Alavés), the fans believe he has to give more than he has shown.
Two players, Vinicius and Mbappé, who, despite being the two players on whom the current Real Madrid is based both on and off the pitch, are not finding each other. It seems that the friction that may have existed at the beginning of the season has not been there at any point. In fact, it can be said that the relationship between them is very pleasant, but their place on the pitch has created a problem for Florentino Pérez.
So, what we know at this point, just hours before the Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona, is that whoever the coach is, Vinicius and Mbappé need to be lethal in the White team’s attack. Not only to be the duo that was so dreamed of at the barbecue and that should now be enjoyed at the revamped Real Madrid, but also to return to being the team that was feared by Europe, and not the other way around.
Mbappé’s numbers are good, but they could also be better. His level of responsibility is key
And this is especially evident with the Frenchman. One way or another, the individual numbers reflect the reality of Mbappé’s first season at Real Madrid: 33 goals in 50 games (one goal every 124.6 minutes). These numbers are lower when compared to his last years at PSG, where he scored 40 goals and averaged one goal every 87 minutes. The degree of responsibility for his signing has been called into question throughout the season with the team’s ‘slump’. The squad has been unbalanced, that is a reality, but the arrival of the striker has not been the only factor.
There is also, of course, the departure of Kroos and the lack of a replacement, as well as the serious injuries to Carvajal and Militao. These situations have also had a lot to do with the lack of “balance,” a word often repeated by Ancelotti throughout the season. But, in a way, the criticism is directed at Mbappé, who many believe should have carried the team on his back, as he did against Arsenal. And he didn’t.
Both would benefit from Xabi Alonso’s system
As for Vinicius, although he sought to win back the Bernabéu against Athletic, the fans want him to focus on being himself and playing as he used to, forgetting about everything outside of football, the bad faces and ugly gestures that, for many, tarnish the attitude that Real Madrid should have on the pitch.
It should be added, of course, that Vinicius has not performed as well as in the previous two years, which is why criticism from a section of the fans has been louder in recent weeks, sending a warning signal to the Brazilian.
However, it is important to note that both players are beginning to understand each other on the field. Although the last few games have been difficult for the whole team, Vinícius and Mbappé have shown generosity towards each other.
The Brazilian, in particular, has stood out in this regard. So far this season, he has assisted Mbappé three times, out of the 33 goal-scoring plays he has made. In addition, although they used to alternate their interventions, the former Flamengo player also gave two penalties that he himself provoked to Mbappé, without hesitating to make the decision.
In recent hours, with Ancelotti’s future in doubt after the Whites’ European elimination, the name of Xabi Alonso has continued to gain strength as a replacement on the bench. In this regard, many point out that the Tolosa-born player has played a lot at Leverkusen with a 5-3-2 system, which is what he really needs to do because Vinicius and Mbappé work well together on the field. This system would also allow the Brazilian and the Frenchman to play with much more freedom than has been the case so far.