Mbappe's current problem

The reason Mbappé doesn’t fit well so far is that he lacks Real Madrid’s intense work rate. Almost every player in the starting XI had to earn their spot, often starting from the bench. Vini proved himself to be worthy of the No. 7 shirt and a starting role after four years. Rodrygo is playing out of position and still doesn’t have guaranteed minutes. Both Vini and Rodrigo chase the ball back when they lose it. Last season, Kroos and Modrić rarely played 90 minutes despite being here for 12-14 years. Arda and Endrick are constantly playing 5-15 minutes only or not coming on at all. They still make relentless runs, and press because they know they’ll earn a spot in 1-2 years. Camavinga, Tchouaméni, and Modrić—no one gets 90 minutes or plays in their preferred position by default; they’re always working for it. Players like Bellingham and Valverde constantly play 90 minutes because they’ve already proven themselves. It’s clear their work rate is exceptional. Lunin was a fantastic keeper last season, but didn’t play in the finals. Joselu gave his all, but we didn’t keep him. Literally everyone has worked hard to earn the starting XI except mbappe.

All our players are constantly pressing; even in 2022, Benzema pressed when he lost the ball. In addition to that, all our attackers—along with Bellingham—have expert positioning. (Just look at the goals vs. Osasuna: Bellingham and Vini’s final goal should have been Mbappé’s, but he didn’t make the run.) They find space and position themselves; they don’t just wait for the ball. But Mbappé, "King of France," was constantly receiving passes at PSG and for France, where he didn’t have to press or find space. That’s why he’s not used to it. He expects players to constantly pass to him. When he loses the ball, he drops his head and doesn’t press.

He has Ronaldo’s arrogance, but Ronaldo was manageable because he delivered results and still made runs. Mbappé, on the other hand, is a roadblock for us. I think Ancelotti should instruct him to start positioning himself better, pressing and making those runs, or reduce his minutes and give Endrick, Arda, and Bellingham a chance to play in the ST/CAM roles. He’s problem is that he’s basically the president’s son.