Analysis: Why Kylian Mbappe will be a good fit at Real Madrid

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has confirmed the Frenchman's desire to join Los Blancos.

Kylian Mbappe's departure from AS Monaco had many potential directions in 2017, until he signed for Paris Saint-Germain. Then 18, Mbappe was already one of the most sought-after players in the world and the Parisians were able to loan him in. They were then able to accommodate a permanent stay for world football's next sensation, making it one of the most expensive players. Four years since it all began, the 22-year-old now has only a year left on his contract and has been strongly linked with an exit.

Mbappe's rise has made people tag him as an asset that will end up at Real Madrid one day or the other. This summer seems likely for that to happen, with PSG director Leonardo announcing Mbappe's desire to leave. Although the mooted deal has not advanced yet, it has already induced some points of discussion.

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How will Mbappe fit in Carlo Ancelotti's side? What impact will he have at Madrid? Will he be a good fit at Real? Well, here are some important points that can, potentially, answer the question:

One of world football's outright attackers

Kylian Mbappe, at just 22, has been one of the most complete attackers for at least three years now. In addition to possessing lightning-quick feet, the former Monaco forward is a robust character with lethal finishing abilities. Although the last season, including the European Championships, was not the best of seasons by his standards, he averaged 0.94 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes. Simply speaking, Mbappe guarantees at least one goal involvement in a match.

This is only part of what Real Madrid will get if they sign their premier target. One of his well-rounded abilities, for example, is his ability to shoot accurately. In the 3.51 shots he averages per 90, Mbappe manages to get 1.60 on target – better than 94% of forwards in Europe's top leagues. His attributes have only matured over the years and getting him now can be a boon for Madrid.

How do Mbappe's abilities match with Real Madrid's squad?

Kylian Mbappe's ability to exploit spaces with his pace is highlighted more than his other attributes. However, he does not only operate that way, but stats show he's very good at receiving and passing the ball. With a 73.6% success rate in passes that he receives, Mbappe can be termed as a reliable outlet that Real Madrid's midfield can look to use. Most of them are live-balls, averaging 43.40 per 90 – more than 96% of European top-flight forwards.

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In terms of progressive carries into the penalty area and the final third, he clearly offers more than the existing forwards at Madrid. Mbappe usually plays from the left, skewing his heat map towards the wide left and left half-space. Mbappe also uses his pace to track back and still always manages to run clear when attacking and counter-attacking.

Taking the example of Luka Modric, who starts from the left side, Mbappe's abilities can relieve the Croatian of his defensive duties. In addition, the Frenchman is also good at switching flanks during the game. It won't be a surprise if Ancelotti's Madrid look to exploit the opposition's weaker full-back with a positional swap.

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Easing Real Madrid's dependency on Karim Benzema

Real Madrid scored 67 times in the 2020/21 La Liga campaign and more than one-third of those came from Karim Benzema's boots. While it will not be a significant issue until he continues to be consistent with his quality, it is concerning when we note the other attackers' form. This season, Real Madrid have Benzema, Eden Hazard, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior and Gareth Bale at their depository. None of these forwards have been outstanding in recent years, especially not in the white shirt.

Getting a player who scored 27 goals in 31 league appearances will prevent Madrid from being a lopsided team. Despite having not-so-good European Championships, hints of co-existence between Benzema and Mbappe were visible. In addition, having a ball-runner who can both feed and receive, will complement Benzema well. What happens on the pitch is yet to be seen, but the signs are promising.

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