Real Madrid: Thierry Henry Reveals His Truths About Kylian Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid has been met with high expectations, but the French international has had a rocky start at the Spanish capital. Despite flashes of brilliance, the young forward has struggled to assert himself fully in his new role. Thierry Henry, a former French legend and a keen observer of Mbappé’s career, was asked to provide his analysis on Mbappé’s early days at Madrid. In an insightful and candid conversation on Rothen s’enflamme, Henry delved into the challenges his compatriot is facing.

Mbappé’s transition to Real Madrid has not been seamless, and the 2-5 defeat against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup showcased some of the hurdles he faces. However, even amidst such a heavy loss, Mbappé managed to stand out as the only player showing consistent promise. This match, in particular, illustrated just how challenging the journey has been for him at a club with such lofty expectations. Despite the loss, his performance highlighted his potential.

When reflecting on Mbappé’s performance at Madrid, Henry acknowledged that adapting to a central forward role at a club like Real Madrid is far from easy. For Henry, the criticism surrounding Mbappé’s early performances is a reflection of the high standards at the club. “When you look at the goals, you can’t say that his start at Madrid is bad,” Henry remarked. “However, compared to what he used to show, from the first to the 90th minute and in his entire game, people ask questions.”

The transition to playing as a number nine is a delicate process, especially at a club of Real Madrid’s stature. Henry emphasized that this is not a task that can be mastered overnight. “Playing as a number nine is not the same job. For me, Kylian can play in all positions, but it is learned. Learning to play as a nine, especially at Madrid, is not easy. It takes time, especially when you don’t have that basic characteristic. I can talk about it because I didn’t have it either,” Henry explained.

For those unfamiliar with playing the central forward position, adapting to the demands of this role can be an arduous journey. Even with Mbappé’s incredible talent, the learning curve is steep. Henry acknowledged this, emphasizing that the natural progression into this role will take time and experience. “It’s something you learn, I hope he’ll evolve. There has to be progression, and Kylian is capable of that,” said Henry.

One of the main challenges for Mbappé lies in the constant scrutiny he faces at Real Madrid. The club’s legacy of excellence means that players are not only judged on their achievements but also on what they have yet to accomplish. “When you’re at Real Madrid, you’re always judged on what you haven’t done yet. Is that normal? No, but at Real Madrid, that’s how it is,” Henry stated. This harsh judgment is something all players at the club experience, no matter their talent or previous successes.

For Mbappé, the weight of this expectation is felt in every match. While his goalscoring record is impressive, critics are quick to point out areas where he still has room for improvement. “Before, we never saw them,” Henry noted, suggesting that the focus on weaknesses comes with the territory of playing for one of the world’s most prestigious clubs.

Despite the challenges, Henry believes that Mbappé’s future at Madrid remains bright. The 25-year-old forward has already shown glimpses of his immense talent, and as he continues to adapt, he has the potential to become a key player for the team. “Mbappé has the ability to evolve and grow into the player that everyone expects him to be,” Henry stated confidently.

Henry also acknowledged the difficult situation Mbappé finds himself in, especially after the team’s crushing defeat in the Spanish Super Cup. “It’s hard to see the positives after a loss like that, but even in that defeat, Mbappé was one of the few players who showed the will to fight,” Henry remarked. For a player of Mbappé’s caliber, being the standout performer in such a humbling defeat shows resilience and determination, traits that will serve him well as he continues to integrate into Madrid’s lineup.

Adapting to the specific style of play at Real Madrid is no small feat. The team’s emphasis on collective effort and precision can sometimes clash with a player’s natural instincts. Henry knows this well, having navigated similar challenges in his career. “Real Madrid has its own way of playing, and it takes time to understand and fit into that system,” he explained. For Mbappé, it’s not just about scoring goals but understanding his role within the broader tactical framework.

While Mbappé’s early days at Madrid may not have been perfect, Henry remains optimistic about his future. “He has everything he needs to succeed at Madrid,” Henry said, echoing the sentiment that with time, Mbappé will evolve into the player everyone knows he can be. The key now is for him to continue learning and adjusting, taking each challenge in stride.

Mbappé’s journey at Real Madrid will undoubtedly be full of ups and downs, but with Henry’s words of wisdom, the pressure on the young forward to meet the club’s sky-high expectations may feel a bit more manageable. As he continues to adjust to the number nine role, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how he rises to the occasion.

In the meantime, the French forward remains focused on the task at hand, determined to prove himself as one of the world’s top players at one of the biggest clubs in the world. The road ahead may be difficult, but with his natural talent and work ethic, Mbappé has every chance of fulfilling his potential and leading Real Madrid to success.

As Henry pointed out, Mbappé’s journey at Madrid is just beginning. And while the pressure is immense, the possibilities are endless. “He will learn, and he will adapt,” Henry said, offering his full confidence in Mbappé’s ability to succeed.