What is going wrong with Kylian Mbappe's dream Real Madrid move?

Kylian Mbappe's Real Madrid journey hit a rough patch with a dismal Champions League showing against Liverpool, raising concerns about his adaptability and confidence in a squad struggling to maximise his unique abilities.

In Short

• Kylian Mbappé missed a crucial penalty in Real Madrid's 2-0 loss
• Tactical mismatches saw Mbappe struggle with positional switches frequently
• Real Madrid missed Kroos' playmaking, affecting Mbappé's attacking impact

After years of transfer sagas and loyalty debates, Kylian Mbappé finally donned the white jersey of Real Madrid this season. But what was supposed to be the dawn of a new era has quickly turned into a period of scrutiny for the French superstar. His underwhelming start reached its nadir in Real Madrid's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on November 28 in the UEFA Champions League.

With Vin­cius Jr. and Rodrygo sidelined due to injuries, the stage was set for Mbappé to shine as the team's leader. Instead, his performance was riddled with missed chances, poor decision-making, and a crucial penalty miss. The lackluster display has led many to label it one of the most disappointing outings of his career. However, the game at Anfield is merely the latest example of Mbappé's struggles to find his footing at Real Madrid.

No Special plans for Mbappe

Mbappé has scored nine goals in 18 appearances for Real Madrid-a respectable tally for most players. But for someone touted as a generational talent, these numbers fall short of the lofty expectations. The root of his struggles lies in his difficulty adapting to Real Madrid's tactical demands.

At Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappé was often the focal point of the attack, dictating play from the left wing or as a central striker. At Madrid, he shares the left flank with Vin­cius Jr., and Carlo Ancelotti's system frequently requires the two stars to alternate between the wing and the center-forward role, even during matches. This fluidity, while beneficial for team dynamics, has left Mbappé looking out of sync with the game's flow.

The adjustment issues were glaring during the Liverpool match, where Mbappé failed to anticipate his teammates' movements. His inability to capitalize on openings or link up effectively with one-touch passes highlighted a disconnect with the rest of the squad. This tactical mismatch has also led to frequent offsides, a problem that plagued him during Madrid's humiliating 4-0 El Clásico defeat to Barcelona in October.

Missing Toni Kroos's Vision

Another factor in Mbappé's struggles is Real Madrid's lack of a true playmaker, a void left by the retirement of Toni Kroos. For years, Kroos was the heartbeat of Madrid's midfield, delivering precise through-balls and incisive passes that unlocked defenses. Without a player of his caliber, Madrid's attack lacks the creativity to maximize Mbappé's devastating pace and clinical finishing.

Mbappé thrives on balls played into space, allowing him to burst past defenders and into goal-scoring positions. However, Madrid's current midfield setup, while industrious, does not provide the vision or range of passing needed to exploit Mbappé's strengths. This deficiency has made the Frenchman's job significantly harder, forcing him to rely on individual brilliance rather than a cohesive team effort.

As the January transfer window approaches, the pressure is mounting on Madrid to recruit a midfield playmaker who can complement Mbappé's style. Until then, the disconnect between the player and the system is likely to persist.

A less confident Kylian Mbappe?

Mbappé's recent performances suggest he may be overanalyzing his role in the team. Known for his powerful shots and direct approach, he has often hesitated when opportunities arise. Instead of taking decisive actions, he has opted for unnecessary dribbles or attempted passes, even in situations where a shot on goal was the better option.

This hesitation was on full display against Liverpool, where Mbappé failed to capitalize on clear chances. His penalty miss only compounded his woes, as it seemed to affect his confidence for the remainder of the match. Fans accustomed to Mbappé's bold and instinctive style have been left puzzled by this uncharacteristic tentativeness.

Whether this is a tactical adjustment, a confidence issue, or both remains unclear. However, it is evident that Mbappé needs to rediscover the fearless mentality that made him one of the most feared forwards in world football.

Redemption on the Horizon?

Real Madrid will look to bounce back in their next LaLiga fixture against Getafe on December 1. For Mbappé, this match offers an opportunity to silence critics and reaffirm his status as one of the game's elite players. A strong performance could serve as a turning point, restoring his confidence and helping him find his place in Ancelotti's system.

While it is still early days in Mbappé's Madrid career, the stakes are undeniably high. Both player and club must address their respective shortcomings to ensure that this much-anticipated partnership lives up to its billing. The clock is ticking, and all eyes will be on Mbappé as he seeks to prove that his transfer to Los Blancos was worth the wait.