Liverpool Dodged a Bullet: Why Kylian Mbappé Has Made Real Madrid Worse

Kylian Mbappé’s long-awaited move to Real Madrid was supposed to elevate the Spanish giants to an untouchable level, cementing their dominance in European football. Instead, it has disrupted the team’s balance, exposing vulnerabilities and raising questions about whether Los Blancos made the right choice in bringing the French superstar to the Santiago Bernabéu.

The Dream That Turned Sour

Mbappé’s childhood dream of playing for Real Madrid has been well-documented, symbolized by a famous photo of him surrounded by posters of Cristiano Ronaldo. His move to Madrid in the summer of 2024 felt inevitable, a union long destined to happen. Yet, the reality of his arrival has been anything but a fairy tale.

Real Madrid hoped Mbappé would complete their already formidable squad, making them unstoppable in Europe. Instead, the team has struggled for cohesion, with the French forward’s integration causing more harm than good. Madrid, once fluid and connected, now seems disjointed, with Mbappé’s arrival disrupting the synergy they had built over the years.

A Rocky Start

The issues started immediately. Mbappé, like Vinícius Jr., thrives on the left wing, leading to positional clashes and a lack of balance in the attack. Despite being instructed to play centrally, Mbappé frequently drifts left, often occupying the same spaces as Vinícius. This overlapping has led to confusion on the pitch, with both players struggling to coexist.

While Mbappé has delivered in terms of goals—scoring nine times in 17 appearances—the team’s performances have been far from convincing. Madrid’s inability to gel has been glaring in key matches, including a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Barcelona in El Clásico.

Defensive Fragility

Beyond attacking inefficiencies, Mbappé’s lack of defensive work has compounded Madrid’s struggles. Modern football demands all players contribute defensively, but Mbappé’s reluctance to press or track back leaves the team exposed. This lack of effort has been exploited by top teams like Barcelona and AC Milan, who have sliced through Madrid’s midfield and defense with ease.

Even teammates like Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo have shown visible frustration with Mbappé’s unwillingness to defend. These cracks in team harmony are becoming increasingly evident, threatening to derail Madrid’s season.

A Missed Opportunity for Liverpool

Ironically, Liverpool, who once flirted with signing Mbappé, may feel they dodged a bullet. Under Arne Slot, the Reds have built a defensively solid and well-balanced team. Mbappé’s individualistic tendencies and defensive shortcomings would likely have disrupted the system that has made Liverpool so effective this season.

Time to Step Up

As Madrid prepare to face Liverpool in the Champions League, the pressure is mounting on Mbappé to deliver. With Vinícius sidelined through injury, this is Mbappé’s chance to take center stage and prove his worth. If he fails to shine in Vinícius’ absence, the criticism will only intensify.

Mbappé’s arrival at Madrid was supposed to be the final step in their return to Galáctico glory. Instead, it has become a cautionary tale about the risks of prioritizing star power over team cohesion. For Mbappé, the time to adapt is now. For Madrid, the clock is ticking.