Sophia
The debate surrounding Kylian Mbappé’s defensive contributions has flared up once again, with his father, Wilfrid Mbappé, publicly questioning Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso’s expectations for the superstar forward. This comes amidst ongoing discussions about Mbappé’s integration into the Real Madrid squad and his perceived off-the-ball intensity.
Alonso’s Stance vs. Wilfrid’s Defense
Xabi Alonso has been vocal about his desire for both Mbappé and Vinicius Junior to enhance their defensive efforts, signaling a clear expectation for all his players to contribute across the pitch. However, Wilfrid Mbappé believes these defensive responsibilities should primarily fall to players whose natural position is in defense.
“Is the fullback an attacker or a defender? What are we asking him?” Wilfrid Mbappé posed in an interview with L’Équipe, drawing a clear distinction between positional roles. “I’m not saying Kylian shouldn’t defend, but how do we judge a player? A fullback, I don’t care if he crosses well. Each position has its own specificities. We criticize a guy who still scores 60 goals a season.”
This statement underscores a fundamental philosophical divide in modern football: the balance between offensive brilliance and collective defensive responsibility. While Alonso, a former defensive midfielder known for his tactical discipline, emphasizes a holistic approach, Mbappé’s father argues that a player’s primary role and exceptional talents should dictate their focus.
The “60 Goals” Argument: A Striker’s Primary Role
Wilfrid Mbappé highlighted his son’s phenomenal scoring record as a counter-argument to the defensive criticisms. “What I criticize him for, however, is that if there’s a fight not far from you, come and help,” he conceded, acknowledging a general team ethic. However, he quickly pivoted back to Mbappé’s unique offensive prowess.
“I may shock people by saying this, but the run that PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia made in the Champions League final in the 90th minute, I don’t care. Kylian, that’s not his game. He does things that others are incapable of doing. That doesn’t mean we’re going to say, ‘Kvara doesn’t score 60 goals a season’.”
This comparison perfectly encapsulates the core of the debate. Kvaratskhelia is lauded for his work rate and defensive tracking, particularly in high-stakes matches. However, Mbappé’s father argues that sacrificing his son’s unparalleled attacking output for similar defensive runs would be a misallocation of talent. Mbappé’s ability to consistently deliver “60 goals a season” places him in an elite category, and Wilfrid believes this offensive contribution should be prioritized.
A “Steely Mind” and Unwavering Ambition
Despite the criticism, Wilfrid Mbappé expressed immense pride in his son’s response during his challenging first season at Real Madrid. “I really liked it. Considering how it started and how everyone was telling us the world was ending, he finished with the Pichichi, the Golden Boot… So his dad is very happy,” he stated, highlighting Mbappé’s resilience.
Indeed, Mbappé’s ability to silence doubters with his on-field performance, securing top individual accolades like the Pichichi (La Liga’s top scorer) and the European Golden Boot, speaks volumes about his mental fortitude. This echoes his past achievements, including a World Cup treble, which Wilfrid described as “engraved, it’s a gift to France and the world.”
“He’s showing us again that he has a steely mind and that he enjoys himself. As long as he’s happy, he’ll succeed. He wants to win the Champions League, La Liga, the Copa del Rey. And every year, he has to start from scratch,” Wilfrid added, emphasizing his son’s relentless pursuit of team and individual honors. This drive suggests that while defensive duties may be a point of contention, Mbappé’s ultimate goal remains collective success with Real Madrid.
Conclusion: A Balancing Act for Real Madrid
The exchange between Wilfrid Mbappé and Xabi Alonso highlights a fascinating tactical dilemma for Real Madrid. How does a manager integrate a generational talent like Kylian Mbappé, whose primary strength is devastating attacking play, into a system that demands defensive solidarity from every player? Finding this balance will be crucial for Alonso as he aims to maximize Mbappé’s potential while maintaining the team’s overall defensive structure. The upcoming season will undoubtedly offer further insights into how this dynamic unfolds on the pitch.
