Former France striker Karim Benzema recently offered advice to Kylian Mbappe regarding the challenges he may face adjusting to his position at Real Madrid under manager Carlo Ancelotti. Speaking to El Chiringuito, Benzema emphasized that Mbappe’s transition to a central role, rather than his familiar left-wing position, would likely be non-negotiable, given Ancelotti’s commitment to Vinicius Junior’s current role on the left side.
Mbappe, widely recognized for his incredible pace, technical skill, and goal-scoring prowess, has made a name for himself at Paris Saint-Germain as a left winger. It’s from this position that he rose to become PSG’s all-time leading goal-scorer, frequently cutting in from the left and leveraging his quick bursts and agility to create goal-scoring opportunities. This role allowed him to maximize his talents and is one of the reasons he has been regarded as one of the most dynamic attackers in the game.
However, with his move to Real Madrid, the landscape for Mbappe has shifted. Ancelotti, an experienced and pragmatic manager, has built a formidable left side around Vinicius Junior, who has blossomed into one of the most effective wingers in world football. Benzema, having played alongside both Mbappe and Vinicius, understands Ancelotti’s strategy and the role Vinicius plays within that system. This familiarity led him to offer Mbappe a reality check on adapting to a new role.
Benzema remarked, “Mbappe is not a ‘9.’ There is a lot of pressure at Real Madrid, this is not PSG.” The statement underscores a common perception in football circles: that Real Madrid demands a particular level of adaptability and resilience from its players, especially when playing in such a storied club. Benzema, who enjoyed a long and decorated career at Real Madrid, is well aware of the club’s competitive environment and the adjustments players need to make to meet the high expectations of fans, management, and teammates alike.
In offering his advice, Benzema added, “He shouldn’t give up. I don’t think Ancelotti is going to move Vinicius; he’s the best in the world right now in that position.” This insight reflects the reality of Real Madrid’s current lineup and tactics. Under Ancelotti’s guidance, Vinicius has flourished, becoming a cornerstone of Madrid’s offensive play. His ability to exploit the left wing with speed and precision has been instrumental to Madrid’s recent successes, and Ancelotti is likely reluctant to disrupt this established dynamic, even with a talent like Mbappe in the squad.
This situation places Mbappe in an unfamiliar position. While he has traditionally been accustomed to attacking from the left, where he can cut inside onto his stronger foot and take defenders on directly, his role at Madrid may require him to adopt a more central position—essentially, a “No. 9” or center-forward role. Transitioning to this position could mean that Mbappe must adapt his playstyle to focus more on positioning, goal-poaching, and holding up play, skills typically expected from a traditional center-forward. This adjustment could challenge him to broaden his skillset and become more versatile.
“Mbappe has to get it into his head that he has to be a ‘9’ and forget about the left,” Benzema continued. He acknowledged Mbappe’s impressive success on the left but stressed that this chapter might need to close. “He’s been very good on the left, and now he has to be good somewhere else.” Benzema’s words underline the importance of flexibility and mental resilience in professional football, especially at a club like Real Madrid. The tactical and strategic shifts in Mbappe’s position might test his ability to adapt to new responsibilities while also proving he can succeed in a role beyond his comfort zone.
The suggestion that Mbappe adapt to the central role also points to Madrid’s historical preference for versatile forwards who can excel in multiple positions. For decades, Real Madrid has cultivated a reputation for bringing in world-class talent, each of whom had to fit within the club’s overall structure and embrace various roles. While it’s no secret that Mbappe brings significant star power, Ancelotti’s focus on team dynamics means he must demonstrate his ability to function seamlessly within the established framework, particularly when working alongside Vinicius.
This new role would mark a change in his game, as he may need to prioritize different skills and habits on the pitch. The No. 9 role often calls for a more physical presence, strategic positioning in the box, and a poacher’s instinct to capitalize on crosses and passes from the wings. These qualities have traditionally characterized Madrid’s legendary center-forwards, from Raúl to Cristiano Ronaldo, who adapted to a more central role as his career progressed. Mbappe, known for his adaptability, will need to refine and strengthen these aspects of his game to succeed in the position Real Madrid requires.
As he navigates this transition, Mbappe’s response to Benzema’s advice and Ancelotti’s system will be closely watched by fans and analysts. Adapting to a central role may not be an immediate process, but it offers the potential to add new dimensions to his game and prove his value within one of Europe’s most competitive clubs. His willingness to evolve within Ancelotti’s system and support Vinicius’s role on the left could also reflect his commitment to the team and his ambition to make a lasting impact at Real Madrid.
In sum, Benzema’s words serve as a reminder to Mbappe of the unique demands at Real Madrid. His transition may require patience, discipline, and the readiness to redefine his strengths within a new tactical structure.
For Real Madrid fans, the prospect of seeing Mbappe in a central role is exciting, offering the chance to witness one of the world’s most electrifying players embracing a fresh challenge.
