After the success of the previous season, Real Madrid were largely expected to dominate not just in the league, but also in Europe. To top that off, the acquisition of Kylian Mbappe added more attacking flair.
However, this transfer has thus far been met with significant disappointment. Despite contributing seven goals in 11 matches across all competitions, his overall impact on the team’s collective play has not lived up to expectations.
One of the major concerns has been the lack of chemistry between Mbappe and his fellow forwards, Rodrygo Goes and Vinícius Jr.
This disconnect has severely hampered the effectiveness of Real Madrid’s attacking trio. Together, they have managed to score only 14 goals, a tally that falls far short of what fans hoped for.
The benchmark to compare with
This underwhelming performance is particularly concerning when compared to the previous season when the team secured both La Liga and the Champions League titles with a more effective attacking unit.
To further illustrate this point, it is important to look at the European scoring charts. Real Madrid’s attacking trio currently ranks fourth, tied with forwards from Stuttgart and Chelsea, all of whom have scored 14 goals.
In contrast, FC Barcelona boast a formidable front line comprising Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal, who have netted an impressive 23 goals together.
Bayern Munich, with their trio of Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Jamal Musiala, have scored 17 goals, while Liverpool’s attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, and Luis Díaz has managed 15.
The disparity in these figures raises alarm bells for those who believed Real Madrid would dominate every match.
Carlo Ancelotti needs to address this
As the season progresses, Carlo Ancelotti faces a significant challenge in adjusting his tactics to get the best out of his star-studded lineup.
While Real Madrid’s individual brilliance may appear impressive, it is clear that the trio struggles to connect effectively on the pitch.
The lack of synchronization means they are failing to create clear chances, which is crucial for success in both La Liga and the Champions League.
For Real Madrid to be competitive, the Italian manager must find ways to enhance the collaboration among his forwards. This could involve modifying his approach to foster better communication and understanding on the field.
As pressure mounts, questions arise about the feasibility of having all three forwards—Mbappe, Rodrygo, and Vinícius—play together in the same system.
Observers have noted that their individual styles may not mesh seamlessly, which could necessitate a tactical reshuffle.
There is speculation that Rodrygo might be the odd one out if Ancelotti decides to revert to a 4-4-2 formation. This would allow the team to incorporate an additional midfielder, thereby strengthening the overall structure and providing more stability.
The need for adjustments becomes more pressing as the season unfolds. Ancelotti must evaluate the dynamics of his attacking players and determine how best to utilise their talents without compromising the team’s overall effectiveness.
The goal is not just to have prolific scorers on the field but also to create a cohesive unit that can operate fluidly and efficiently.