Ex-Real Madrid forward Takefusa Kubo explains why Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius and Rodrygo are ‘not performing at their best level’ now
Former Real Madrid forward Takefusa Kubo has outlined why Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo Goes have failed to hit top form this season. Los Blancos have unleashed a new-look attack following the French superstar's arrival this summer as a free agent.
The 25-year-old is already one of the best players in the world right now. Last season, he scored 44 goals and set up 10 more from 48 games across competitions for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Meanwhile, the Brazilian duo were also on song for the LaLiga champions last campaign. Vinicius scored 24 times and registered 11 assists from 39 games, while Rodrygo amassed 17 goals and nine assists from 51 games.
Together they helped Real Madrid win LaLiga, the Champions League and the Supercopa de Espana. Los Blancos were hoping to take their attack to a new level by introducing Mbappe into the mix. However, that has not been the case.
While they have won the UEFA Super Cup, the reigning champions have experienced a stuttering start to the new league campaign. Real Madrid have registered two wins and two draws from their four games so far, with the trio yet to gel.
Speaking recently, as cited by Madrid Xtra, Kubo insisted that the three players' desire to play in the same position is the root cause of the problem.
“Real Madrid’s forwards are very good and fast. But I think Real Madrid's 3 attacking players all like to play in the same position, and that's why they're not performing at their best level at the moment,” said Kubo.
Mbappe prefers to play in the left forward role, which is already taken by Vinicius in Carlo Ancelotti's team. The Frenchman has subsequently been operating in a centre-forward role for Los Blancos.
Rodrygo, who excelled through the middle last season, has been pushed out wide. It has been recently suggested that all three prefer to play through the middle.
Can Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior power Real Madrid to more success?
Despite their poor start to the campaign, the Spanish champions are expected to pick up the pace as the season progresses. In Ancelotti, they have one of the best in the business to get the team firing on all cylinders.
It is also likely that Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe will learn to play alongside each other in due time. Both players are among the best in the world and once they get going, it could spell trouble for the rest of Europe.