Vinícius and Mbappé: A Burden on Real Madrid?

Vinícius and Mbappé, until recently, were two of the best players in the world. Vinícius was known for his ability to dribble past defenders with speed and skill, making him difficult to stop, even by solid defenders like Kyle Walker. Mbappé, on the other hand, was renowned for his explosive pace and clinical finishing, consistently dominating both domestically and internationally. However, since the beginning of this season, we’ve seen a significant decline in both of their performances.

Vinícius has struggled to beat defenders, and even when he does manage to get past them, it has become a rare occurrence, almost worthy of celebration. Mbappé, despite being a key signing for Real Madrid, has failed to replicate his previous form, especially in crucial matches. This decline in both players raises many questions about the sudden change in their levels.

Vinícius and Mbappé: Problems with Speed

One of Vinícius’s standout traits was his exceptional speed, which gave him a clear advantage in foot races against defenders. His blistering pace allowed him to glide past opponents effortlessly, making him one of the most dangerous players in one-on-one situations. It was this very speed that set him apart, enabling him to break away from defenders and create goal-scoring opportunities with ease. But now, it seems that his trademark speed has significantly diminished. In the current season, defenders, who once struggled to keep up with him, are now often getting to the ball before Vinícius, a situation that was almost unthinkable in previous seasons.

His acceleration, which used to be explosive and unpredictable, now appears sluggish, which has drastically reduced his ability to make those decisive runs. This noticeable change not only weakens his individual impact on the field but also diminishes his overall influence on Real Madrid’s attacking play. It leaves fans and analysts alike wondering what’s behind this sudden and significant drop in his abilities: is it a physical issue, mental block, or simply a result of the increasing pressure at the highest level of competition?

Vinícius and Mbappé: Challenges at Real

As for Kylian Mbappé, he had a long history of brilliance with Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team, which made him a prime target for Real Madrid. However, after joining the team, Mbappé hasn’t shown the level of performance that was expected. While he scored goals against teams like Leganés and Girona, he hasn’t shined in the big matches as he used to. The only match where he truly excelled was against Manchester City, who were in their worst form in the past 15 years.

Does Position Change Explain the Decline in Form?

Some might wonder if Mbappé’s change in position is the reason behind his decline in form. However, it’s hard to believe that a positional change would lead to a loss of ability to dribble or beat defenders. Even in matches where Mbappé returned to a central position, there was no noticeable improvement in his performance. This makes us question whether his decline is simply due to the pressure and high expectations or if other factors are affecting his form at this moment.

The Role of Simeone in Their Rehabilitation

Given the decline in form from both Vinícius and Mbappé, it becomes necessary for a coach, like Solari in previous periods, to send them to the bench. Such a change in the lineup could be what they need to regain their previous levels. Being on the bench could serve as a wake-up call for them to deliver their best performances and prove their worthiness to return to the starting lineup.

Conclusion

If the decline in form of Vinícius and Mbappé continues, Real Madrid will face significant challenges in achieving their goals this season. While the statistics may improve by the end of the season, the team needs players who show up in big matches, proving their ability to handle pressure and deliver exceptional performances, as they did in the past.