Kylian Mbappe's Slow Start at Real Madrid: Why There's No Need for Alarm

Kylian Mbappe's Slow Start at Real Madrid: Why There's No Need for Alarm

Kylian Mbappe’s long-anticipated move to Real Madrid was met with widespread excitement and optimism among Los Blancos fans. After years of speculation, the French superstar finally donned the famous white shirt, a move that many believed was inevitable. However, his start at the Bernabeu has been slower than expected, raising questions about when he will hit his stride in Spain.

A Slow Start at the Bernabeu

Mbappe’s first few weeks at Real Madrid have not gone according to the script many had imagined. The 24-year-old has featured in three La Liga matches so far but is yet to score or provide an assist. In the latest match against Las Palmas, Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw, with Mbappe’s performance coming under scrutiny. Despite an xG (expected goals) value of 0.51 and nine shots during the game, Mbappe missed one big chance and was unable to find the back of the net. This draw means Real Madrid have now dropped four points in their opening three matches, placing them behind rivals Barcelona, who have started the season with three consecutive wins.

This slow start contrasts sharply with his previous season at Paris Saint-Germain, where he scored 27 goals and provided seven assists in 29 Ligue 1 matches. His underwhelming output at the UEFA Euros—where he scored just once in five matches despite an xG of 2.9—suggests that the pressure may be getting to him for the first time in his career.

A Dream Move and the Weight of Expectation

Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid was a dream come true. The allure of playing at the Bernabeu, a stadium steeped in history and expectation, can be overwhelming, even for a player of his caliber. The pressure to succeed immediately in a team that demands excellence is immense, and it’s possible that even a player as composed as Mbappe is feeling the weight of those expectations.

Comparisons have been drawn to other world-class players who have struggled in their early days at Real Madrid. Luka Modric, now considered one of the best midfielders in the world, was famously named "La Liga’s Worst Signing" after his first season at the club. Initially, Modric struggled to adapt to the demanding environment at the Bernabeu. However, he eventually became the heartbeat of the team, winning the Ballon d'Or in 2018 and cementing his place as one of Real’s all-time greats.

The Jude Bellingham Factor

Mbappe’s slow start has been compounded by the absence of Jude Bellingham, who is sidelined for approximately one month due to injury. Bellingham, who had a stellar debut season at Real Madrid, was expected to form a formidable partnership with Mbappe. Without Bellingham’s creativity and drive from midfield, Mbappe has had to shoulder more responsibility in the attack, which may have contributed to his struggles.

Time to Settle and a Promise of Goals

Despite the slow start, there is no need for Real Madrid fans to panic. Mbappe is undeniably a world-class player, and it’s only a matter of time before he starts scoring goals for his new club. Every top player goes through periods of adjustment when they move to a new league, especially to a club as demanding as Real Madrid. It’s important to remember that Mbappe has already opened his account for the season with a goal in the 2-0 victory over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup.

The comparison with Jude Bellingham, who had an explosive start to his Real Madrid career, is perhaps unfair. Bellingham’s transition was smoother, but Mbappe’s role as the focal point of the attack comes with different pressures. As he acclimatizes to his new surroundings and builds chemistry with his teammates, particularly after Bellingham returns from injury, we can expect Mbappe to hit the heights that are expected of him.

Conclusion: Patience Will Pay Off

Mbappe’s slow start at Real Madrid is surprising, but it’s not unprecedented. The weight of expectation at the Bernabeu is heavy, and even the best players need time to adjust. However, there should be no doubt that Mbappe will soon find his form. His track record at PSG and his undeniable talent suggest that this is merely a temporary blip. Madridistas should remain patient—Mbappe’s goals will come, and when they do, he will prove to be the superstar signing they always knew he would be.

In the end, it’s important to remember that football is a game of patience and persistence. Just as Luka Modric turned his early struggles into an illustrious career at Real Madrid, Mbappe is likely to do the same. For now, the key is to give him the time and support he needs to settle into his new role, confident in the knowledge that his best is yet to come.