Football, in its glorious unpredictability, sometimes throws up results that make you pause and reconsider everything you thought you knew. Kylian Mbappe`s recent reunion with former club Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semifinals was one such moment. It wasn`t a fairy-tale comeback; instead, it was a stark reality check in the form of a humbling 4-0 defeat for Real Madrid, a match where their marquee summer signing seemed notably subdued.
It was Mbappe`s first start back after a bout of gastroenteritis, but the timing coincided with Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso being forced into a tactical corner by crucial suspensions and injuries. The result was a tactical shape that, against a top-tier opponent like PSG, proved surprisingly blunt.
The Tactical Conundrum vs. PSG
Bereft of key players like Dean Huijsen (suspended) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (injured), Alonso opted for a conventional 4-4-2 formation. This placed Mbappe alongside Gonzalo Garcia at the top, a setup that, while functional against lesser opposition, made Real Madrid`s attack remarkably predictable and, frankly, quite easy for PSG to manage. Mbappe, the electric forward known for his relentless threat, registered a mere 27 touches throughout the entire match, converting them into just four shots, with only one testing the goalkeeper. His attacking partner, Vinicius Junior, endured a similarly frustrating game with only 21 touches. It wasn`t a failure of effort, but rather a structural limitation that allowed PSG to control key areas and starve Madrid`s forwards of service and space.
This tactical rigidity against a high-calibre opponent mirrored some of the struggles Real Madrid faced in previous seasons when deviating from systems that provided more attacking freedom and defensive stability simultaneously. The 4-4-2, in this instance, felt like a step backward.
The Preferred Blueprint: Tactical Flexibility and Width
Contrast this with Real Madrid`s more successful performances earlier in the tournament. Their victories were often built on tactical foundations featuring either a hybrid 4-4-2 diamond or, notably, a 3-5-2 setup. These formations allowed players like Francisco Garcia and, when fit, Alexander-Arnold, to operate as high wingbacks. This tactical approach turned defensive players into potent attacking outlets, creating significant width and numerical advantages in advanced areas. Aurelien Tchouameni often provided cover, dropping into a back three when needed to maintain defensive integrity.
This dynamic approach, not dissimilar to the system Alonso effectively deployed at Bayer Leverkusen, has injected a breath of fresh air into Real Madrid`s play. It empowers players like Francisco Garcia, who seemed on the periphery before Alonso`s arrival, offering them a blank slate and a system where their attacking capabilities can shine. It`s a system focused on creating space, particularly in the wide channels and half-spaces, areas where creative players and elite forwards thrive.
Turning the Page: Returning Stars and Depth
The good news stemming from the PSG defeat is the return of key personnel. Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao made their first appearances for Madrid during that match, signifying their recovery from injuries that sidelined them at the end of last season. Both players were integral to Madrid`s structure and success previously, and their return provides Alonso with greater tactical flexibility and defensive solidity needed for a sustained La Liga title challenge.
Furthermore, the depth at center-back, with options like Antonio Rudiger, Huijsen, Raul Asencio, and Tchouameni all capable of deputizing, means Alonso can adapt his defensive setup to match opponents or cover for individual performances. Any lapses can lead to changes, and crucially, these defensive configurations can underpin the more attacking, width-focused systems that benefit the forwards.
The Path to 50: Service and Space
How does this tactical discussion translate into Kylian Mbappe`s potential goal tally? The answer lies in service and space. In a system that actively creates opportunities through overlapping wingbacks and players capable of delivering incisive, line-splitting passes – a skill Trent Alexander-Arnold possesses in abundance – a forward of Mbappe`s caliber becomes even more devastating. His ability to exploit space with his pace and finishing is magnified when he isn`t constantly facing a congested, easily defended structure.
Consider this: Kylian Mbappe still managed to score 43 goals and provide five assists last season, often operating in tactical setups that didn`t fully maximize his specific strengths or provide consistent, high-quality service in the areas he prefers. With the tactical framework returning to one that emphasizes width, penetration, and opportunities for line-breaking passes, the prospect of adding another seven goals to reach the 50 mark becomes not just plausible, but realistic.
The 4-0 loss to PSG was a disappointing outcome, undoubtedly. But viewed through a tactical lens, it appears to be a consequence of circumstantial constraints rather than a definitive indictment of Real Madrid`s, or Mbappe`s, potential. As key players return and Alonso gains the flexibility to implement his preferred, more dynamic systems, the stage is set for Mbappe to receive the kind of service and operate in the kind of space that could very well propel him past the 50-goal milestone this season.
