In recent days, Kylian Mbappé has been struggling at Real Madrid, prompting encouragement from Madrid journalist Edu Aguirre on the show El Chiringuito de Jugones. In this renowned programme, the journalist reveals the main issue facing Real Madrid’s number 9, who has been left out by his teammates.
Since 19 October, Kylian Mbappé has not found the back of the net. A regular goal scorer since the beginning of the season, the French forward has struggled to make a breakthrough in front of goal for the past four matches. Despite his determination and efforts on the attack, it has been Vinicius Junior who has been shining in recent weeks with a series of goals. According to Thierry Henry and Karim Benzema, for instance, the French captain is struggling due to the responsibilities of playing as a number 9.
Edu Aguirre criticises Mbappé’s teammates
While some believe that the former PSG player’s difficulty in scoring stems from the challenge of fully adapting to his role as a number 9, El Chiringuito TV’s Real Madrid expert offers another theory. As the issue of the French striker’s struggles was discussed again this Sunday on Josep Pedrerol’s show, Edu Aguirre stepped in to defend Kylian Mbappé.
According to the Spanish journalist, the French forward, who is giving his all, will eventually rediscover his scoring form. However, he should receive more support from his teammates, who are not seeking him out in the ideal positions or delivering the right balls to score. “The goals will come,” Aguirre stated, before adding, “But I get the impression that his teammates aren’t looking for him: they could pass him the ball, but they aren’t doing it,” he confided.
A solution for Mbappé?
During the last match against Osasuna, a noteworthy incident caught the attention of fans. On Vinicius Junior’s third goal, Brahim Diaz had the opportunity either to score himself or to pass to Kylian Mbappé, who was slightly further back. Instead, Diaz opted to secure the hat trick for the Brazilian winger by delivering the decisive pass. In the footage, a hint of sadness was evident in Mbappé’s expression, suggesting he had hoped to receive that ball to break his goal drought. Following the match, the 25-year-old went straight to the dressing room with a visibly disappointed look.
Edu Aguirre’s opinion is clear. However, it’s hard to imagine that players like Jude Bellingham and others would fail to serve the French striker if he’s in the best position to score. Even if there is a slight rivalry between the two stars in the Madrid team, Mbappé remains the number 9, and his increased presence in the final third should see him receive the necessary balls to find the net. Many agree that he’ll need to adapt quickly to his role as a number 9… and things are likely to improve.
After 17 matches at Real Madrid, KM9 has recorded 8 goals and 2 assists—an acceptable tally given the circumstances of his arrival this summer, without a pre-season.
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