Kylian Mbappe: Confusion, Misery, Hurt As Real Madrid Dream Turns Into Nightmare

 

Like any other fanboy, he dreamt about it. He fantasised about it. He had stickers and photos of his favourite idols in his room. He went about his business with one purpose - to join the club of his dreams. And on June 3, after years of intense speculations, his wildest dream became a reality. He was announced as a new Real Madrid player on a free transfer. Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe. 

Fast forward many months later - his dream has become his worst nightmare. He looks battered, out of sorts and, by his own coach's admission, bereft of confidence. Kylian Mbappe's performance vs Liverpool At the end of the defeat at Anfield, the Frenchman was the first person down the tunnel. He had just lost possession for the 15th time, which culminated in Thibaut Courtois denying Luis Diaz to make the score 3-0. Mbappe's talent requires no reintroduction. 

Despite his recent misgivings, he is still easily one of the best players in the world. It is why Florentino Perez bid his time to bring him to the Bernabeu, but the star boy he thought he signed is quickly turning out to be his waterloo. How can Mbappe and Vinicius play together? Before his arrival, many were eager to understand how Carlo Ancelotti would fit both the French star and Vinicius Junior in the same XI. 

Both love to come in from the left and with devastating effect. Vinicius had already nailed down his spot as the best left winger in the world - even the best player overall, depending on who you ask and if you choose to disregard the recent Ballon d'Or vote. Why was Madrid signing another good player to compete with Vinicius for the same spot in the team? Did Real Madrid really need Mbappe?

 Mbappe's arrival at Bernabeu came two seasons late when he was initially wanted by Perez. Two or three seasons ago, Vinicius had just started showing glimpses of his talent but he was yet to secure his spot as an outright starter. But in 2024, this is Vinicius' team. Almost everything the team does upfront goes through the Brazilian. 

by  Martin Moses