Mbappé Criticizes the Inclusion of This Duo in Big Matches: A Tactical Crisis Threatens Real Madrid!

Real Madrid’s narrow victory over Juventus might have pleased the scoreboard, but it did little to convince Kylian Mbappé. The French superstar, known for his competitive edge and unfiltered honesty, didn’t hide his frustration after the final whistle. His post-match comments exposed the growing tactical tension inside the club—a tension that could turn into a full-blown crisis if not handled carefully by Xabi Alonso.

Despite earning the three points, Madrid’s overall display lacked rhythm and fluidity. The team’s attack sputtered, transitions looked forced, and control in midfield was virtually absent for long stretches. What was meant to be a straightforward Champions League night turned into a labored victory that left more questions than answers.

Mbappé’s criticism centered on the decision to start Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga together in midfield. While both are exceptional athletes—powerful, quick, and defensively solid—their partnership, according to Mbappé, limits Madrid’s creative options. In his view, they are destroyers, not directors. Without someone like Luka Modrić or Toni Kroos orchestrating the tempo, Madrid’s midfield feels mechanical, not magical.

The frustration is understandable. Tchouaméni and Camavinga share similar profiles: strong ball-winners who thrive in breaking opposition plays. However, when paired together, their overlapping responsibilities stifle Madrid’s build-up play. The connection between midfield and attack becomes static, and players like Mbappé or Vinícius Jr. are forced to drop deeper than necessary, blunting their attacking threat.

Sources close to the dressing room suggest that Mbappé’s remarks weren’t just heat-of-the-moment emotions. The Frenchman reportedly voiced similar concerns earlier in the season, urging Alonso to find a balance between physicality and creativity. He believes that for Real Madrid to dominate Europe, the team must rediscover the elegance and intelligence that defined their golden years—something not achieved with two holding midfielders operating side by side.

Jude Bellingham’s performance against Juventus added another dimension to the debate. The Englishman delivered an energetic display, carrying the ball forward with conviction and intensity. But even he struggled at times without a natural deep-lying playmaker to supply consistent passes between the lines. Madrid’s midfield, though packed with young talent, looked raw and directionless.

As the countdown to El Clásico begins, Alonso finds himself under pressure to make bold tactical choices. The Barcelona clash is no place for experiments. Fans and pundits alike expect a sharper, more dynamic Madrid—a team capable of dictating play instead of reacting to it. If Alonso sticks stubbornly to the same formula, the backlash could be brutal, especially from the dressing room’s senior voices.

The situation puts Florentino Pérez, the club’s president, in an uncomfortable position. The Madrid hierarchy brought Mbappé not only for goals but for leadership and ambition. His public comments, while controversial, signal a deeper truth: Madrid’s identity crisis is real. The blend between the old guard’s artistry and the new generation’s athleticism hasn’t clicked yet, and time is running out to find the right balance.

Insiders hint that Alonso is already considering adjustments. Toni Kroos may be recalled for his experience and calm distribution, while Federico Valverde could shift into a more advanced hybrid role. The manager’s next lineup will speak volumes about whether he intends to listen to his players—or double down on his philosophy. Either way, the upcoming Clasico could define his credibility in Madrid’s dugout.

Ultimately, Mbappé’s criticism exposes the core challenge of modern Real Madrid: finding harmony between power and poetry. With legends fading and a new era rising, Alonso must decide what kind of Madrid he wants to build. Because if the Juventus performance was any indication, the world’s most decorated club is still searching for its soul.