Can Vinícius Júnior And Kylian Mbappé Play Together?
The dream of seeing Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in the same Real Madrid attack has become a reality, but it raises a tactical question: can two world-class forwards who both prefer the left wing truly shine together? On paper, they bring pace, goals, and flair. On the pitch, their overlapping strengths may require adjustment.
Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid’s new coach, is known for his structured approach to pressing, positional balance, and intelligent rotations. Now, his biggest challenge will be to unlock the chemistry between Mbappé and Vinícius, ensuring they peak at the same time rather than carrying the team in separate phases of the season.
The Challenge of Two Left-Sided Stars
Vinícius Júnior has become the heartbeat of Madrid’s attack in recent years. His speed, 1v1 dribbling, and confidence make him almost unstoppable when given space. Mbappé, however, has also built his career on devastating runs from the left, cutting inside to score.
This overlap means Alonso must create a system where neither player feels restricted, and where their movements complement each other. Without careful planning, Madrid risk wasting some of their attacking firepower.
Lessons from Last Season
Last season highlighted how their peaks rarely aligned. Vinícius often carried Madrid in the first half of the campaign with crucial goals and assists. Mbappé, meanwhile, was at his most decisive in the second half, particularly in knockout stages and high-pressure moments.
But rarely did both dominate together. Alonso’s task now is to build consistency where they are equally dangerous across the entire season, not in alternating phases.
How Xabi Alonso Can Use Them
1. Mbappé as a Central Striker
Alonso could shift Mbappé into a flexible number nine role. In his systems, the striker is not just a poacher but also a runner into space. Mbappé fits this perfectly, using his speed to stretch defences while allowing Vinícius to stay wide on the left.
2. Positional Rotations
One of Alonso’s trademarks at Bayer Leverkusen was fluid attacking rotations. He could replicate this at Madrid by letting Mbappé and Vinícius switch positions during games. This unpredictability would prevent defenders from settling and maximise both players’ natural instincts.
3. Two-Striker Formation
A 3-5-2 or 4-4-2 diamond could bring both closer to goal. With Vinícius and Mbappé as dual forwards, supported by creative midfielders like Jude Bellingham, Madrid could overwhelm opponents with pace and movement. The wing-backs or wide midfielders would provide the necessary width.
4. Mbappé on the Right, Vinícius on the Left
Though not his preferred side, Mbappé has the quality to play from the right. This would give Madrid a classic wide-forward setup, with both stretching play and cutting inside to shoot. With Alonso’s emphasis on balance, this could be used against certain opponents.
The Importance of Balance
Xabi Alonso’s tactical philosophy is built on structure. For Mbappé and Vinícius to coexist, Madrid’s midfield must provide stability. Players like Bellingham, Valverde, and Tchouaméni will be crucial in covering spaces left behind by the two forwards, ensuring the team is not exposed defensively.
If Alonso finds the right balance, Real Madrid could unleash an attacking partnership that dominates both domestically and in Europe.
The partnership of Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé is not a problem, but a puzzle, one that Xabi Alonso is well equipped to solve. Whether by using Mbappé as a striker, experimenting with two forwards, or relying on rotations, Madrid’s coach has multiple solutions at his disposal.
The real test will be ensuring that both stars peak together, something Madrid have struggled with in the past. If Alonso succeeds, Los Blancos could enter a new era defined by the brilliance of two unstoppable forwards.
FAQs
Q1. Why is it difficult for Vinícius and Mbappé to play together?
A. Because both prefer the left wing, which creates an overlap in roles.
Q2. How did they perform last season?
A. Vinícius was decisive in the first half, while Mbappé stood out in the second, but rarely at the same time.
Q3. What system suits them best under Xabi Alonso?
A. A 4-3-3 with Mbappé as striker and Vinícius wide left fits Alonso’s structured approach.
Q4. Could Alonso use them as a strike partnership?
A. Yes, a two-striker system would keep both closer to goal and reduce defensive duties.
Q5. What is the key to success?
A. Ensuring balance in midfield and getting both players to peak form together.
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