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Here’s how Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. could fit together at Real Madrid

By Sai Siddhartha S

Real Madrid, Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Real Madrid, Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images) /
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(L-R) Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain, Marcelo of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on November 26, 2019, in Madrid, Spain(Photo by ANP Sport via Getty Images)
(L-R) Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain, Marcelo of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on November 26, 2019, in Madrid, Spain(Photo by ANP Sport via Getty Images) /

Vinicius on the left and Mbappe on the right

When Real Madrid purchased Eden Hazard, they saw Kylian Mbappe as the missing piece of a trio comprising Benzema and Hazard, with the Frenchman expected to be the goalscorer who can play from the right. At that time, the club had high expectations on Hazard and Mbappe was a proven right-winger, and he had set the stage on fire with his performances at the 2018 FIFA World Cup held in Russia, in which he had played as a right-winger.

Fast forward to 2022, Real Madrid might have the chance to form a similar trio with Vinicius ahead of Eden Hazard. Vinicius might not be as good as Hazard in tight spaces and he isn’t that good as a controlling influence. But he can still form a wonderful trio with Mbappe on the other wing and Karim Benzema in the centre to guide both of them.

In this scenario, Mbappe might not be getting to play in his best position, but he will play in a position that isn’t new to him. His output is brilliant from the right as well, and he can easily get into goalscoring positions from the right, thanks to his searing pace, excellent awareness and positioning. He can also whip in some delicious crosses from the right while getting to link up with great team players like Dani Carvajal and Fede Valverde.

But there is one minor problem with Mbappe’s game from the right. Usually, Mbappe’s exploits from the right were possible due to his tendency to shift inwards and position himself for tap-ins, and due to his ability to outpace defenders of a high line in a 1v1 duel. But with all due respect to Ligue 1, the defending quality is much better in LaLIga, and Mbappe will have to play against parked buses and in fully stacked penalty boxes, instead of high lines which allow him some space behind them.

Those tight defences will force him into crossing or cutbacks, and he wouldn’t get much space to take a lot of shots from the right, like Rodrygo. From the left, his situation will be much better with him being a natural right-footer.

Next. The Real Madrid player who would benefit the most from a Kylian Mbappe transfer. dark

At the moment, this is only an analysis of an imaginary situation. Nothing has happened yet, and Mbappe is still a PSG player. Only time will give us the answer, and we have to wait to see Mbappe in the royal white jersey and to get an idea of how and where he will play.

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