The versatility of Kylian Mbappé: a center-forward disguised as a winger

Kylian Mbappé, born on December 20, 1998, in Paris, France, has emerged as one of the most prominent figures in world football. His speed, dribbling skills, and scoring ability have positioned him as an exceptional talent both in clubs and in the French national team. However, his role on the field has been a subject of debate: is Mbappé a natural center-forward or a left winger who adapts to the team's needs?

Mbappé's versatility in attack

Since his early days at AS Monaco, Mbappé has demonstrated remarkable versatility in the attacking front. While his preferred position is as a left winger, where he can exploit his speed and dribbling ability, he has also been used as a center-forward on various occasions. This duality has allowed his coaches to leverage his talent in multiple tactical schemes.

Performance at Paris Saint-Germain

During his time at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Mbappé alternated between the positions of left winger and center-forward. Under the guidance of different coaches, he was assigned roles that varied depending on the team's needs and the absence of other key players. For example, in the 2022-2023 season, Mbappé played more as a center-forward (22 matches) than as a left winger (15 matches), scoring 23 goals as a striker and 15 as a winger.

Adaptation at Real Madrid

After joining Real Madrid in July 2024, Mbappé faced a new challenge: sharing the attack with Vinicius Jr., whose natural position is also as a left winger. Coach Carlo Ancelotti opted to place Mbappé as a center-forward, keeping Vinicius in his usual role. This decision sparked debates about whether Mbappé's full potential was being utilized. Some analysts suggested that a positional exchange could benefit the team, allowing Mbappé to play in his comfort zone.

Personal preferences and performance

Mbappé has often expressed his flexibility regarding his position on the field. In a press conference in July 2024, he stated, "I don’t mind where I play," when asked about his compatibility with Vinicius Jr. However, his performance seems to indicate greater efficiency when playing on the left flank, where he can use his speed to outpace defenders and create scoring opportunities.

Individual statistics

Statistics support the notion that Mbappé is more productive when playing in positions that allow him to exploit his speed and one-on-one skills. According to Transfermarkt data, during the 2023-2024 season, Mbappé participated in 41 matches with PSG, scoring 16 goals and providing several assists. While these numbers are impressive, his contributions vary depending on his position on the field.

Impact on the French national team

In the national team, coach Didier Deschamps has utilized Mbappé in various offensive positions, depending on the availability of other players and the tactical scheme employed. Although he has played as a center-forward on some occasions, his impact tends to be greater when he operates from the left flank, where he can cut inside and unleash his powerful shot.

The tactical dilemma for coaches

Mbappé's ability to perform in multiple offensive positions presents both advantages and challenges for coaches. On one hand, his versatility offers tactical flexibility; on the other, placing him outside his preferred position could limit his effectiveness. The key lies in finding a balance that maximizes his performance without compromising the team's structure.

Strategic considerations

When deciding Mbappé's position, coaches must consider several factors:

• Team composition: The presence of other key players, such as Vinicius Jr. at Real Madrid, influences positional assignments.
• Tactical formation: Formations like 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 determine the specific roles of each player in the attack.
• Opponent and match context: Strategies may vary depending on the opponent's characteristics and the circumstances of the match.

Conclusion

Kylian Mbappé is a center-forward disguised as a winger, whose versatility allows him to adapt to various positions in the attack. While his preference and greater effectiveness are evident when he plays on the left flank, his ability to perform as a center-forward provides valuable tactical options for his coaches. The challenge lies in positioning him in a role that maximizes his impact without affecting team dynamics. At just 25 years old, Mbappé continues to evolve, and his adaptability remains an invaluable asset for both his club and the French national team.