Kylian Mbappé’s first season at Real Madrid has fallen short of expectations. With Vinícius Jr. sidelined due to injury, the French forward was expected to take on a leading role. However, his performance has been marked by missed opportunities and a tougher-than-expected adaptation to Madrid’s system.

Criticism for Lack of Impact

Mbappé has faced scrutiny for his lack of effectiveness, particularly in key matches. In losses against Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao, he not only failed to score but also missed penalties and squandered clear chances.

Over his last eight matches, Mbappé has scored just two goals and started in five of the team’s defeats. His inability to deliver in critical moments has raised concerns about his confidence and his ability to fulfill the offensive leadership role expected of him.

Disappointing Statistics

Mbappé’s struggles are reflected in his numbers:

• He currently boasts a 22.73% shot accuracy, significantly lower than his efficiency at PSG and Monaco.
• He has needed 93 shots to score 10 goals, while his expected goals (xG) suggest he should have scored at least 16.

In contrast, Mbappé’s finishing was far more clinical at PSG, particularly under Luis Enrique, and during his time at Monaco. His transition from a winger to a central striker at Madrid has not yielded the anticipated success.

Respaldo de Ancelotti y desafíos futuros

A pesar de las críticas, Carlo Ancelotti ha respaldado públicamente a Mbappé, valorando su esfuerzo y las mejoras en su intensidad en los últimos encuentros. El técnico italiano confía en que el delantero recupere su mejor forma y aporte al equipo en los compromisos decisivos que se avecinan.

Con encuentros clave contra Girona, Atalanta y la final de la Copa Intercontinental, Mbappé tiene una oportunidad inmejorable para revertir su situación actual y demostrar su valía en el Real Madrid. Dentro del club, la confianza en su capacidad para superar este bache sigue siendo alta, pero el margen de error se reduce con cada partido.