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Mbappe faces square peg in round hole as No. 9 role falls flat

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Kylian Mbappe’s struggles as a center-forward have reignited debates in France and at Real Madrid.

Despite being one of many world’s high gamers, the French star is grappling with a dip in kind, elevating questions on whether or not taking part in as a No. 9 fits his model.

French coach Didier Deschamps has subtly addressed this throughout interviews, expressing confidence in Mbappe’s skill to bounce again however acknowledging the challenges.

“He’s been less effective in 2024, but I see no reason why he won’t return to his best. Playing as a center-forward might not be ideal for him, but he has the quality to adapt,” Deschamps mentioned, referencing his performances underneath Luis Enrique and Carlo Ancelotti.

Mbappe’s scoring effectivity has declined previously yr, coinciding together with his transfer to Real Madrid and his new position as a central striker.

Critics, together with Karim Benzema, have weighed in.

Benzema bluntly acknowledged, “Mbappe is not a natural No. 9. Every time he plays there, he struggles. But on the left, where Vinicius now thrives, there’s no room for him.”

Real Madrid’s tactical setup forces Mbappe to fill the void left by Benzema and Joselu, with coach Carlo Ancelotti emphasizing his position as the point of interest of the assault.

“He’s played more as a center-forward and will continue to do so. I need him to position himself well and be ready to score,” Ancelotti mentioned.

Despite his early-season brilliance – 5 targets and an help in 4 La Liga video games – Mbappe’s kind has cooled.

Since recovering from a minor harm in late September, he has netted solely as soon as in seven matches.

The scenario mirrors his expertise with the French nationwide crew.

Without Olivier Giroud’s hold-up play, Mbappe has been tasked with main the road.

Deschamps, nonetheless, stays optimistic, saying, “He’s versatile and can play across the front line, but we must find balance to let him flourish.”

Mbappe’s discomfort within the No. 9 position isn’t new.

In 2022, he publicly criticized his place at PSG, evaluating it unfavorably to his freedom with France when Giroud anchored the assault.

“I’m asked to play as a pivot at PSG, but with France, I have more freedom,” he mentioned on the time.

Mbappe’s adaptability will probably be examined in upcoming matches towards Leganes and Liverpool.

With Real Madrid missing one other pure striker and Deschamps counting on him as a central determine, he could don’t have any alternative however to embrace the No. 9 position.

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