The fantasy transfer of football star Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid isn’t quite working out as planned, and some are wondering if the Spanish powerhouses made the right decision in acquiring the French striker.

Key Takeaways

• Mbappe is underperforming with 8 goals in 16 games at Real Madrid.
• Playing as a striker instead of a wing position affects performance.
• Needs to reduce ego and adapt to Madrid’s playing style.

Numbers Tell a Mixed Story

Mbappe has made 16 appearances since joining the team this summer, tallying eight goals and two assists. These figures may seem respectable, but they don’t live up to the tremendous impact that many people anticipated from one of the biggest names in sports. He has only scored one goal in his last seven games, which is quite troubling.

Expert Analysis Points to Deeper Issues

Troy Deeney, a former striker for Watford, thinks some things contribute to Mbappe’s difficulties. Deeney said, “It’s probably not been anywhere near where we all expected,” talkSPORT.com reported. He implies that, in sharp contrast to his time at Paris Saint-Germain, where he experienced greater freedom and less pressure, Mbappe’s ego may have interfered with his work ethic.

Tactical Misalignment Raises Questions

Real Madrid‘s tactical arrangement has also drawn criticism. Mbappe is being used as a central striker, which may not be the best position for his style of play. Mbappe’s preferred position on the left wing, where Vinicius Junior is already firmly established, has pushed the Frenchman to adjust to a new role.

Commercial Interests vs. Sports Success

Deeney said, “They’ve gone for a name that sells shirts and the brand as opposed to what makes them win,” implying that Real Madrid’s business interests may have taken precedence over their athletic requirements.

The Path to Improvement

To achieve success, Deeney thinks Mbappe, 25, should “drop his ego and work a bit harder.” The striker’s performance against Barcelona was especially criticized since, despite his remarkable speed, he was repeatedly caught offside.

Looking Ahead

All eyes will be on Mbappe as Real Madrid gets ready to play Leganes on November 24. The star attacker is under increasing pressure to establish himself and demonstrate why he was regarded as one of football’s most sought-after acquisitions after being excluded from the French national squad.

It’s still unclear if Mbappe will adjust and step up to the plate or if this ideal transfer will continue to fall short of expectations.