Ritam Dey from Madrid, Spain
Kylian Mbappe’s best game for Los Blancos arguably came on Sunday as he almost scored a first-half hat-trick against Las Palmas, helping Real Madrid breeze past after an early setback in the game. But then the question arises, a sudden burst of form by him emerges the moment Vinicius is out of the picture. Is it coincidental or has it to do with the balance of the team? There is no definite answer, but two of the best players of the world might be on the radar of possibly having a bite of each other’s fortunes.
The start of the game was monumental for Las Palmas, carving apart Real Madrid’s defence in just one through ball, which is a testament to the struggling defensive woes of Ancelotti. This might be the worst full back scenario in the last few decades seen by the Madrid faithfuls, combined with almost negligible intent of pressing by the forwards. But the team always seems to find a way around in the league, largely, courtesy moments of individual brilliance.
Rodrygo from the left won a penalty which got easily converted by the Frenchman, and what followed was a storm called Mbappe. Moving around freely from the left to centre, Mbappe was the target man for the midfield throughout the game, with Rodrygo adjusting accordingly. Even for his high standards, Rodrygo played a superb game, topped with a goal and an assist for Mbappe. On the right wing spot, Carlo Ancelotti is spoiled with options – Brahim Diaz, Arda Guler and of course Rodrygo on usual days. So even if Vini went missing tonight, no one actually missed his presence, as Mbappe’s shadow was too big to not fill the spot.
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The same can be said about Vinicius, as we saw his hat-trick against Dortmund in the second half, the moment Mbappe got substituted. Young Endrick can fill in the striker’s role or Jude Bellingham can come forward playing as a number 10, with Vini and Rodrygo on both wings, and an in-form Vini will be too big for people to miss Kylian.
In many opinions, the problem lies in demarcating the areas, when to press and where to press, coupled with the lack of creativity in the midfield. They still miss a sprayer of the ball like Tony Kroos, although they are reaching for Trent Alexander Arnold to fill in the big shoes. If it happens, maybe we get to see more of the darting runs by Vini and Mbappe.
But for now the question remains unanswered, does Mbappe actually play better when Vinicius is absent? And the answer to it lies only when Vinicius is back in the team and both of them have a great game by their standards in a big tie!