Real Madrid were unable to get the result they needed at home in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16, falling 2-1 to Bayern Munich. And even in defeat, one of the narratives around Real from within was Kylian Mbappe being a saving grace, as the Frenchman grabbed his goal after latching onto another assist from right back Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Mbappe created a ton of chances in the game, though Manuel Neuer was more than equal to them, reminding Real Madrid fans that he will always be the king of the Champions League on these greatest of nights. It's almost as if he takes things personal against Real Madrid.
Throughout his time at Real Madrid, fans have been wanting to see more from Mbappe. Even Luis Enrique said the same about him at PSG. Yes, Mbappe is one of the best in the world. But then you watch him in games like against Mallorca and you just get so frustrated knowing that his level is so much higher than what he is currently producing.
Alvaro Arbeloa wants more consistency from Kylian Mbappe
Well, that is not lost on Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa either, who challenged Kylian Mbappe after the Bayern Munich game to bring his best level more consistently. In praising the Frenchman's display effusively, he also did not mince words about wanting to see high level consistency from Mbappe - the trait that made his idol Cristiano Ronaldo so special at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Arbeloa told reporters in the post game press conference, via the Madrid Zone, "THIS is the Mbappé I want. Very invested in every area of the game, the best player in the world, a constant threat. An Mbappé that wants to be Mbappé every day."
One of the big problems with Mbappe has been that lack of effort and investment in "every area of the game", which he himself has admitted in terms of not showing up to defend enough. Mbappe can lead by example, and Real play much better when he is in the mood to defend, create, progress the ball, and be more than just someone who looks for his own goals.
Honestly, Arbeloa was probably too effusive in his praise, because Mbappe still could have done more to defend and carry the ball. But he did create chances and genuinely look lively, especially in the second half. Mbappe is a great player, but if even Arbeloa, who is highly complementary, is subtly calling out Mbappe for his consistency, then that is a clear message sent to the star man to keep his level high.