Solution to the Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Partnership Problem

• Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Partnership
• Pre-Mbappe Real Madrid team Analyzed
• Kylian Mbappe Style of play
• Vinicious Jr. Playing pattern
• Is Carlo Ancelotti the Problem at Madrid?
• Possible Solution to the Attacking Problem at Real Madrid

Mbappe and Vinicius Partnership Conundrum

Real Madrid hasn’t been quite the team they were expected to become when Kylian Mbappe announced that Santiago Bernabeu was his next destination as a player.

The prolific striker flew the colours of Paris Saint-German (PSG) for seven years without any luck in the UEFA Champions League. This made his exit from the French capital inevitable to improve his chances of winning the coveted club prize before the end of his career.

Florentino Perez, the Real Madrid president is a longtime admirer of the French striker and always saw him as the heir of compatriot and Madrid legend, Karim Benzema who departed the Bernabeu two years ago.

News of Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid excited fans but many wondered how he would fit into the Carlo Ancelotti squad that the Balon D’or runner-up Vini Jr. playing the preferred position as Kylian Mbappe.

During the summer pre-season games, Carlo Ancelotti was featured on the popular Obi-One podcast. He was quizzed about possible rancour in his attack and how he planned to manage two of the game’s best forwarders who prefer to play in the same position.

And Carlo was quick to play down any possible tactical friction in his team saying; “these guys are great players, and great players know how to play with each other”

It is safe to say that Carlo Ancelotti never saw the attacking puzzle coming. This season, fans of the club have not seen an effective Mbappe and Vinicius Jr partnership

Pre-Mbappe Real Madrid team Analyzed

Before the arrival of the French striker, the Galacticos boasted a potent attack made up of Vini Jr., Rodrigo and Jude Bellingham. The Englishman doubled as a midfielder and false nine in most of the matches.

This formation was so effective and it helped Madrid win the UEFA Champions League and La Liga last season. Jude Bellingham proved to be the joker of that team, scoring vital goals in all competitions.

Belingham’s preferred position on the field is eight (8), playing just behind the striker. He also thrives as a false nine (9), but with Mbappe in the team, he is forced to take a deeper role which limits his efficacy.

Also, last season, Real Madrid had Toni Kroos who detected the tone of play with his unparalleled understanding of the game. But the iconic German midfielder retired from football last summer and it is believed Madrid are yet to get a suitable replacement.

Also read: Hansi Flick Ball and the rise of a new Barcelona

The team’s set-up last season is quite different from what’s obtainable this season. Before Mbappe’s arrival, the players played with much liberty and any player could aim to score.

But with the Frenchman on the team, the onus to score goals has been placed on his shoulders given his pedigree and antecedent.

Kylian Mbappe Style of play

Mbappe is a very athletic player who utilizes speed to beat his markers. He is widely regarded as the fastest player currently. The Frenchman is a handful for defenders because of his pace.

He also dribbles but not as much as some known skilful players like Neymar or Vinicius. He is average on dribbling. Kylian is also a great shooter who hits the ball with impressive accuracy.

He thrives in a 3-man attack where he occupies the number 11 position, up the left side of the attack. At PSG, he formed a lather attack with Neymar Jr. and Edison Cavani.

And when Messi moved to the French capital, it became a Neymar, Mbappe and Messi attack. It was a joy watching the trio play.

However, in Spain, the Mbappe and Vinicius partnership hasn’t been quite as effective because of the rigidity of the attack. They both prefer to play on the side which leaves a vacuum on the right, thus, rendering the attack ineffective.

Carlo Ancelotti has had to bench Rodrigo in some matches in search of a solution for the attacking puzzle in the team but all to no avail.

Vinicius Jr. Style of Play

Vini Jr is a very skilful player with an impeccable work rate. The Brazilian defends on speed and skills to go past defenders. Vini likes to drop down the midfield to get the ball from his midfielders.

He then drives through the left flank, beating his markers with pace and body movements. On arriving at the opposition box, he prefers crossing the ball to his strikers to score when they are free.

But sometimes, he tries to cut in and aims for the post himself. He exemplifies a typical modern winger of the game who now doubles as both winger and striker.

His style of play has made him a household name and a top contender for the Balon D’or. Vinicius has won all club titles available with Real Madrid including two Uefa Champions League.

Although he is not as famous as his national team many Brazilians question his attitude and commitment when it comes to national duties.

Is Carlo Ancelotti the Problem at Madrid?

The sport has seen many great players do exploits while playing together. In recent times, Barcelona have had the trident of Messi, Suarez and Neymar, the MSN play together with a telepathic level of understanding.

Also, Real Madrid had the popular BBC, made up of Benzema, Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo. These great players played with understanding, winning several trophies in the process.

To manage great players and have their egos checked at all times, a club must have a coach who an excellent record of man-management. Carlo also ticks the box having managed many icons of the game in the past.

However, people are beginning to ask whether the gaffer has passed his best and needs to call him it a quit. It is obvious the Mbappe and Vinicious Jr partnership is not working at the moment and Carlo might just be contributing to the problem.

In games, when Mbappe was left out because of injury, Madrid played effectively and won several points.

Also, recently, Vinicius was out of the team injured and Mbappe led the attack and they won many matches.

On his return from injury, Ancelotti paraded a team that included both forwards madrid lost to a relegation-threatened Espanyol.

Possible Solution to the Attacking Problem at Real Madrid

To resolve the attacking Conundrum at Madrid, Ancelotti might need to take the bull by the horns. The coach may need to direct to quite the number 11 role and play as a stationary number 9.

That way, Vinicius Jr would have the liberty and confidence to operate from the left flank.