Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti makes decision on Kylian Mbappe and Vincius Jr. tactical headache
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is ready to station Kylian Mbappe in his favoured left-forward role. The French superstar has struggled to hit form since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.
The 25-year-old joined Los Blancos as a free agent following the expiry of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Kylian Mbappe was outstanding during his time with the Parisians, scoring 256 goals and setting up 108 more from 308 games.
However, he has struggled to replicate that form with the LaLiga champions, and there's a belief that it is because he has been playing out of position. With Vinicius Junior as the preferred option in the left-forward role, Mbappe has been operating centrally for Real Madrid so far.
However, speaking recently as cited by Football Transfers, Ancelotti hinted he could switch the two superstars for the game against Getafe.
“I think that Mbappe is more at home playing on the left, and Vinicius Junior is coming to realise that he can be very dangerous through the middle,” said Ancelotti
Ancelotti had stuck to his plan of playing Kylian Mbappe through the middle to help Vinicius continue his good form on the left. However, it now appears that he has admitted defeat and is switching to a different strategy.
The Frenchman was disappointing for Real Madrid in midweek against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League. Mbappe missed a penalty as Los Blancos lost the game 2-0.
They will next be in action against Getafe on Sunday, December 1, in LaLiga and Mbappe could feature on the left in that game.
How many goals has Kylian Mbappe scored for Real Madrid this season?
Kylian Mbappe has scored nine goals and set up two more from 18 games across competitions for Real Madrid this season. The French superstar marked his debut for Los Blancos by scoring in a 2-0 win over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup.
It was Mbappe's first trophy with the LaLiga giants. The player made his league debut for the club against Mallorca, but failed to find the back of the net.
He scored his first two goals in LaLiga in the 2-0 win over Real Betis in his fourth league game. The Frenchman found the back of the net in his Champions League debut for Real Madrid in the 3-1 win against VfB Stuttgart.
Should Ancelotti carry forward his plan and move Mbappe to the left forward role, it could help him regain his mojo. However, it has to be seen how it affects Vinicius Junior's form, as he has rarely operated through the middle before.