Kylian Mbappe takes reins for Real Madrid in Liverpool clash

MADRID – With Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr injured for the Champions League clash at Liverpool on Nov 27, superstar summer signing Kylian Mbappe will become their key attacking weapon.

The French forward has endured a tough start to life in the Spanish capital, on and off the pitch, but found the net for the first time in five matches at Leganes in La Liga last weekend.

He started on the left wing in his favoured role by coach Carlo Ancelotti for the first time and opened the scoring in the 3-0 win. But the chance was created by Vinicius and, with the Brazilian now out for over three weeks, Mbappe will be responsible for stepping up and providing Real’s attacking edge in the games ahead, starting at Anfield.

Vinicius has four Champions League goals in four games while Mbappe has found the net just once in Europe.

While seven La Liga strikes in 12 appearances is not a bad record, Mbappe’s performances have left something to be desired, given his superstar status.

“I’m starting to get up to speed with my teammates,” he told Real Madrid TV after the win over Leganes. “I can play in every position and I’m ready to help the team and give my all... I play on the right, on the left, in the middle and with two up top.

“It doesn’t matter to me. I want to help the team and score goals.”

Ancelotti had resisted giving Mbappe time on the left ahead of Vinicius, who also prefers to play on the flank than through the middle.

However, with Mbappe finding the net just once in seven matches as a central striker before the Leganes game, the coach decided to tinker his plan by swopping the duo, although he said the decision was based on a fitness issue.

“Playing on the outside is more tiring than through the middle, Vinicius returned from international duty on Thursday and Mbappe was fresher than Vinicius,” said Ancelotti.

“He scored a goal with a fantastic assist from Vini Junior – they’re both improving bit by bit.”

Ancelotti will need to rethink his set-up for the trip to Merseyside to face the Reds.

Mbappe may be used as part of a two-man strike force with Jude Bellingham an option to play alongside him, after operating in a more withdrawn role this season.

The England star was vital for Real in attack last season, stepping into the hole left by Karim Benzema’s departure but, with Mbappe’s arrival, Ancelotti moved Bellingham deeper in a bid to find some balance.

Injuries to Vinicius, Rodrygo and Lucas Vazquez, along with long-term problems for Dani Carvajal, David Alaba and Eder Militao, have left Real’s squad extremely thin.

Mbappe, linked to a rape investigation in Sweden, which he labelled “fake news”, and embroiled in a battle with former employers Paris Saint-Germain over millions of euros in unpaid wages, is already under a lot of pressure.

Ancelotti added that speculation over the striker’s mental health was “ugly” and insisted Mbappe’s form would turn.

A goal against minnows Leganes lightened the load on his shoulders, and Real are desperate for more of the same from him against Liverpool. AFP