Kylian Mbappé’s 4 Hidden Weaknesses at Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappé, one of the most electrifying footballers of his generation, continues to inspire millions worldwide with his blistering pace, impeccable dribbling, and unmatched goal-scoring ability. Yet, like all great players, the French superstar is not without flaws. As he embarks on his journey at Real Madrid, a club synonymous with perfection, these weaknesses could pose challenges that may define his tenure.

Five months into wearing the iconic white jersey of Los Blancos, Mbappé’s time at Real Madrid has been a rollercoaster of expectations and adjustments. Arriving with astronomical hype, the Frenchman quickly became a focal point of media scrutiny and fan attention. Initially, the pressure seemed overwhelming, and doubts began to surface regarding his ability to adapt to the club’s unique playing style and culture.

Despite his superstar status, Mbappé struggled to find his rhythm during his early days at the Santiago Bernabéu. The challenges of integrating into a team where excellence is the standard were evident. Critics pointed to moments of disjointed play and questioned his positioning on the field, noting how his presence sometimes disrupted Real Madrid’s typically fluid attacking patterns. However, as he has done throughout his career, Mbappé displayed resilience and determination, gradually silencing doubters.

A Remarkable Turnaround

Following a rocky start, Mbappé has rediscovered his groove. His recent performances have been a testament to his world-class talent, showcasing the incisive dribbles, rapid counterattacks, and clinical finishing that have made him a global sensation. With 21 goals and four assists in just five months, his statistics underscore his immense impact at the club. Yet, beneath the surface of these impressive numbers lies a set of challenges he must address to cement his legacy at Real Madrid.

1. The Offside Trap – A Persistent Problem

Mbappé’s incredible pace often leads him to flirt with the offside line, but this strength can also be a double-edged sword. His frequent mistiming of runs has resulted in numerous offside calls, disrupting Real Madrid’s attacking flow. For a club that thrives on precision and synchronization, such lapses can be costly.

To mitigate this issue, Mbappé must refine his awareness and timing. With world-class playmakers like Luka Modrić and Jude Bellingham providing pinpoint passes, mastering his runs could make him an even deadlier threat.

2. Defensive Contributions – A Missing Piece

As an attack-minded player, Mbappé’s focus has always been on creating and converting chances. However, at Real Madrid, where teamwork and collective effort are paramount, his lack of defensive contribution has raised eyebrows. Unlike teammates who tirelessly press opponents, Mbappé often appears disengaged when the team is out of possession.

Carlo Ancelotti, a tactician renowned for optimizing talent, could play a crucial role in this area. By encouraging Mbappé to participate in defensive phases, particularly in high-stakes matches, the Frenchman could elevate his all-around game and prove invaluable to his team.

3. Aerial Duels – A Notable Weakness

Standing at 1.78 meters, Mbappé is not known for his prowess in aerial duels. This limitation makes him less effective during set-pieces, both offensively and defensively. For a team that relies heavily on versatility, this shortcoming can be a significant disadvantage.

To overcome this, Mbappé could draw inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo, who transformed himself into a dominant aerial force through rigorous training. By improving his timing and leap, Mbappé could add another dimension to his game, making him even harder to defend against.

4. Inconsistent Crossing – Room for Improvement

While Mbappé’s ability to score goals is virtually unrivaled, his crossing often leaves much to be desired. Whether playing on the left or the right flank, his deliveries into the box occasionally lack precision, reducing the effectiveness of Real Madrid’s attacking plays.

This weakness is one of the most rectifiable aspects of his game. With focused training sessions and studying masters of the craft like Kevin De Bruyne, Mbappé can refine his crossing ability. Doing so would further enhance his role as a playmaker, adding another weapon to Real Madrid’s already formidable arsenal.

Strengths That Outshine Weaknesses

Despite these areas for improvement, Mbappé’s strengths far outweigh his shortcomings. His speed, agility, and uncanny knack for finding the back of the net make him one of the most feared attackers in world football. Moreover, his determination to rise to challenges and his mental fortitude ensure that he will likely address these issues head-on.

At just 26 years old, Mbappé is still in the prime of his career. Real Madrid offers him the perfect environment to develop further, surrounded by elite teammates and guided by an experienced manager in Carlo Ancelotti. With time and dedication, he has the potential to not only overcome his weaknesses but also redefine his legacy as one of the greatest players in football history.

A Diamond in the Making

Kylian Mbappé’s journey at Real Madrid is still in its infancy. While the challenges he faces are undeniable, they are by no means insurmountable. His willingness to adapt and evolve will determine whether he can fulfill the immense expectations placed upon him. For now, the world watches with bated breath as KM9 continues his quest for greatness at the Santiago Bernabéu, a stage befitting his extraordinary talent.