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Kylian Mbappe’s presence will likely reshape the attacking dynamics of Real Madrid, influencing both tactical formations and individual roles.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti faces a healthy dilemma in selecting from a wealth of attacking talent. Given his impressive track record with profiling forwards, he is likely to welcome this conundrum.
Adding Mbappe to the mix
A versatile forward by trade, Mbappe has experience playing on the left flank as well as through the centre as a striker.
When asked where he envisions Mbappe playing during a chat on The Obi One Podcast Ancelotti replied, “I see him playing in the front with the attack being quite wide. I think the important key to have a good attack is mobility.”
Despite his tremendous talent, many have speculated that the Frenchman’s inclusion could disrupt Real Madrid’s stability.
Carlo Ancelotti disagrees. The Italian argues that integrating Mbappe into the team will be manageable, emphasising the importance of his willingness to adapt to the team’s needs.
“Fitting Mbappe in the team will not be a problem. It’s important what he said, that he’ll adapt to the team. The key point is that every player has to put his talent and quality at the service of the team,” he claimed.
Ancelotti posted a picture greeting Mbappe on his Instagram account. When asked what were his words to the 2018 World Cup winner, he answered:
“Only two things. I gave him a warm welcome and told him to go rest. To go on holiday.”
Forming a flexible team
Ancelotti is known for his fluid systems, which allow attackers the freedom to move and express themselves without being confined to rigid positions.
By referencing the positioning of his forwards last season, he demonstrated the validity of that approach.
“If I ask you where Vinicius played last season, it’s difficult to say. He didn’t play as a left-winger. Sometimes he played on the left, sometimes in the middle,” he said.
“Bellingham, sometimes, played on the left, sometimes played in the middle, sometimes on the right.”
Highlighting Rodrygo’s role, Ancelotti once again emphasised the importance of mobility: “Rodrygo started most of the games on the right but sometimes during the game, I see him playing on the left (laughs). It’s important to have this mobility.”
“I want to give my players freedom. They have to be able to manage the situation of the game. We played one game against City with both Rodrygo and Vinicius on the left because we thought we could take advantage of that area,” Ancelotti concluded.
