Fans expressed their concerns following Mbappe's debut.

August 15, 2024 12:30 PM

Fans have voiced significant concerns following Kylian Mbappe's competitive debut for Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup. The match, held at the National Stadium in Warsaw, saw Champions League winners Real Madrid take on Europa League champions Atalanta. However, much of the pre-match excitement was focused on Mbappe's highly anticipated debut for Madrid after his high-profile transfer from Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the 2023/24 season.

Mbappe's Positioning and Fans' Concerns Mbappe was placed in a central role alongside Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo in Carlo Ancelotti's attacking lineup. This decision immediately raised concerns among fans, who quickly took to social media to express their opinions.

One fan commented, "I still believe Mbappe isn’t suited for the middle. He loves playing wide on the left and cutting inside." Another added, "If Mbappe continues to play down the middle for Madrid, he’ll struggle; it doesn’t suit the system." A third fan shared, "Mbappe is ineffective in this position. Madrid fans will soon see that he’s highly overrated—glad he left PSG."

Others suggested that placing Mbappe as a central striker could limit his influence on the game. "Playing Mbappe centrally as a No. 9 will greatly reduce his impact and performance. His best and most exciting position is on the left wing, attacking defenders. They should follow Cristiano Ronaldo’s path and only move him centrally when he’s older," one fan advised. Another echoed, "Mbappe in the middle doesn’t seem like the right fit."

Some fans even offered tactical advice, suggesting that manager Carlo Ancelotti should reconsider his approach. "Ancelotti needs to play Mbappe on the wing if he wants to get the best out of him, not through the middle. Vinicius should move to the right, and Rodrygo can take the No. 9 spot," one fan suggested.

Before the match, Ancelotti acknowledged the challenge of fitting Mbappe into an already star-studded lineup. He admitted, "I have a real dilemma. I spent all summer thinking about who to play and who to bench—it ruined my holidays. The truth is, they’re all exceptional. This isn’t really a problem, though. We have a lot of matches ahead. I can’t expect the same eleven to play all 70 games. Last year, those who played less still made significant contributions, and this year, that could be even more important."

The fans' reactions reflect growing concerns about how Mbappe will integrate into Real Madrid's system and whether his central role will enhance or hinder his performance on the field.