Bola.net – Kylian Mbappé facing major challenges since joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2024. He has not yet proven himself as the new superstar of Los Blancos.
Although he is expected to become the main star and score up to 50 goals per season, the reality on the pitch shows that the French striker has not yet fully adapted to life at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mbappe, who usually plays on the left wing, must adapt to his new role as a center forward. On top of that, his inconsistent habit of taking penalties has come under fire.
In Madrid, he seemed to have difficulty accepting the fact that his status was not as special as Cristiano Ronaldo when he was still defending the Blancos.
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Rafael van der Vaart: Mbappe is struggling to adapt
Former Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart commented on Mbappe’s situation. In an interview with BetMGM, he said that Mbappe did not seem to feel fully accepted at his new club.
“When you go from a club like PSG, where you are the main player, to Real Madrid and become one of the many star players, it is difficult,” Van der Vaart said.
“When Cristiano Ronaldo came to Madrid, we knew he got what he wanted, like taking a penalty or a free kick. But Mbappe didn’t get the same treatment, and that apparently made him uncomfortable. He wants to be the main star, but at Madrid he is just one of the other great players”.
Van der Vaart also questioned Madrid’s decision to sign Mbappe, considering they already have Vinicius who plays well in Mbappe’s preferred position, namely the left wing.
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Pressure on Real Madrid
Van der Vaart also highlighted the enormous pressure faced by Real Madrid players. “Every day in Madrid is like match day. His training has also become the focus of the media. People only talk about football. “It’s a tremendous pressure,” he added.
So far this season, Mbappe has scored 10 goals in 20 appearances in all competitions. Although these numbers are quite good, the expectations for them are much higher.
Some parties are questioning whether Mbappe will really fit into Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded squad. Fortunately, Mbappe contributed another goal in Madrid’s last game, namely a 3-0 win over Girona.
