Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe admits defensive work can be a problem – ‘I do a little less than others’
· Yahoo Sports
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has acknowledged that he does not work as hard defensively as his teammates do. The 26-year-old has an impeccable goalscoring record this season, and has been Los Blancos’ most decisive player, but has faced criticism for his overall contribution at times.
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Earlier in the season, Xabi Alonso’s system seemed to hinge on a high-pressing approach, which worked to a point, but then began to disintegrate in November. Many fingers of blame were directed at Vinicius Junior and Mbappe for their lack of defensive implication. Current manager Alvaro Arbeloa changed tack, and in response to questions about it, said that he did not want Mbappe and Vinicius to tire themselves out pressing.
‘Sometimes it can be a problem’ – Mbappe on defending
Not long after, France coach Didier Deschamps told journalists to ‘forget about it’ if you expected Mbappe to run 11km per game. Speaking on Aurelien Tchouameni’s interview podcast with Achraf Hakimi and comedian Malik Bentalha, Mbappe admitted that his defensive work-rate can sometimes cause issues.
“I’m a player who defends a little less than others, and sometimes that can be a problem. It’s true that I do it less, but I notice that when I do, it really impacts the team. At Real Madrid, when I do it, you can see that everyone else is doing it too. I get criticised for that, and it doesn’t bother me, because it’s constructive criticism,” Marca quote.
Can Alvaro Arbeloa make it sustainable?
The question remains as to whether Arbeloa can make it sustainable for Los Blancos in decisive games. So far the combination of Mbappe, Vinicius and Jude Bellingham has struggled in big matches for Carlo Ancelotti and Alonso. Given Real Madrid looked cohesive and more solid against Manchester City without Bellingham and Mbappe, the conversation will no doubt return to that debate.