Kylian Mbappé scored all of Real Madrid's goals in their 4-3 win over Olympiacos in the Champions League last night. The Frenchman is arguably the best player in the world right now, and there are suggestions that Xabi Alonso's side is becoming a one-man team.
Fabrizio Romano quoted Mbappé's response to a question about Real Madrid's over-reliance on him: "Is there an Mbappé dependency? No disrespect to you, but this is a bad question. Each person has his own job in the team, my job is to score goals. Without our players, we don’t win games. I don’t think about this, I think it’s a thing for journalists."
Soccer is a team game, so Mbappé had to quash the suggestions that there is too much dependence on him. Credit to the Frenchman for doing this, as some big egos in the Real Madrid dressing room could take exception if Mbappé said the wrong thing.
Mbappé has scored nine goals in five Champions League games this season. However, it cannot be said that they are a one-man team. Vinicius Junior, whose future at Real Madrid has been widely speculated, assisted two of the French international's goals. Los Blancos also have other star players, including Jude Bellingham.
Are Real Madrid too dependent on Kylian Mbappé?
The problem for Real Madrid right now is what they would do if Mbappé were to get injured or suspended. Endrick has made just one La Liga appearance this season, and the young Brazilian could be heading to Olympique Lyonnais on loan in January.
Los Blancos' other senior recognized center-forward is Gonzalo García. He had a great Club World Cup, scoring four goals in six games. However, he is yet to get on the scoresheet in 10 matches in all competitions this season.
Real Madrid needs a Joselu-type figure who is happy not to be the star man but can be a great impact player when called upon. There have been rumors that Los Blancos could sign Niclas Fullkrug from West Ham United in January. However, he is regularly injured and has been poor for the Hammers. There have even been suggestions that Karim Benzema could return to the Bernabeu.
The problem for Real Madrid has always been that they try and fit too many star attacking players into one lineup. However, this makes creating a balanced team very difficult. Mbappé is the star man, and they now lack depth in the center-forward position, as no player will get game time ahead of him when he is fit.