Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe returned to his natural position, playing as a left winger for the first time with the team in their convincing 3-0 victory over Leganes. This match not only showcased his versatility but also proved to be a significant step in solidifying his role within the team.
The Frenchman, known for his adaptability on the pitch, opened the scoring, setting the tone for a dominant performance. This positional switch is nothing new for the star forward, as he has frequently played in various roles throughout his career, adapting seamlessly to the tactical needs of his team. His ability to fluctuate between positions has been one of the hallmarks of his success, allowing him to exploit defensive weaknesses and create opportunities in front of goal.
Reflecting on the match, the Frenchman sounded quite satisfied with the goal. “A good game. It started well, I was in rhythm with my teammates in a different position. I can play in all positions; today was different, and in the next one, I might play in a different one again. I am ready. It is the story of my career; I play on the right, the left, the centre, I don’t care. I want to play well, help the team, and score a lot of goals,” the forward told Real Madrid TV.
The international break provided an additional advantage for Mbappe. Left out of the French national team for the second consecutive time, he spent the break training with Real Madrid, including sessions with players from the Castilla squad. This time away from international duties allowed him to focus on honing his skills and building chemistry with his teammates.
“It’s been great for me to train with the boys, from Castilla too. I didn’t know many of them, and they have a lot of quality. I’m physically fit and ready to help the team.” This extra time on the pitch helped him fine-tune his fitness and further integrate with the team. Training alongside new faces from the club’s youth ranks also allowed him to appreciate the depth of quality within Madrid’s system. The presence of young, talented players pushing him during training has fostered a competitive atmosphere that benefits everyone involved.
The victory over Leganes carried extra significance, especially in light of Barcelona’s draw with Celta de Vigo earlier in the weekend. Real Madrid capitalised on the opportunity to strengthen their position in the league. Such moments are critical in a title race where every point counts, and the players are acutely aware of the stakes involved.
Mbappe’s early goal was pivotal, setting the pace for a match where Los Blancos maintained control with precision and intensity. “We came here to win. We know the importance of the match. We had to win after Barcelona’s draw. We started well, with a good rhythm, having the ball, playing well. The first goal was very important,” he explained, emphasizing not just the goal itself but the collective effort and mindset that propelled the team to victory.
Federico Valverde also earned recognition as he captained the side for the first time from the start. Mbappe praised the Uruguayan midfielder’s contributions, noting his importance to the team. “He is a very important player. When we talk about players, we talk about others that we see a little more, but Fede is very important.” This acknowledgment from Mbappe highlights Valverde’s role not just as a player but as a leader, influencing the squad with his work ethic and commitment.
Valverde’s leadership and consistency continue to play a crucial role in Real Madrid’s success, even if his efforts sometimes go unnoticed compared to more prominent names. “People don’t talk about him much, but he is very important for us. He has won many titles here, and I hope he continues to do so,” he said, reinforcing the idea that success in football often comes down to teamwork and the contributions of players in various roles.
Mbappe’s impactful display and willingness to adapt underline his importance to Real Madrid’s ambitions this season. The win not only reinforced their momentum but also showcased the depth and flexibility within the squad. As the season progresses, matches like these become stepping stones, paving the way for greater achievements on both domestic and European fronts. The combination of experienced leaders and emerging talents will be essential for Real Madrid as they aim to reclaim their status at the pinnacle of club football.
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