Frank Christian
Having been part of Real Madrid’s legendary “Galacticos,” Steve McManaman is in a prime position to analyze the dynamics within the current squad at the Bernabeu.
With the addition of French star Kylian Mbappe, who joins a formidable offensive lineup including Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham, fans expected to see Real Madrid dominate following their La Liga and Champions League successes. However, results have been mixed.
Currently, they find themselves second in the league, trailing Barcelona by three points after ten matches, with 12 fewer goals. Their Champions League journey hasn’t been smooth either, with a loss to Lille and a narrow escape against Borussia Dortmund at home.
As they prepare for the crucial El Clasico match against Barcelona, a notable challenge has been integrating Mbappe into the team, especially since both he and Vinicius prefer the left-wing position.
Mbappe’s Adjustment Echoes Zidane’s Early Challenges, Says McManaman
McManaman, a former Real Madrid star and now an ESPN analyst, reassures fans that this situation isn’t unprecedented. He recalls Zinedine Zidane’s initial struggles upon joining Madrid, despite being one of the best players in the world at the time.
“When Zidane came in, he faced difficulties too,” McManaman mentioned during a media session ahead of the match. “He had to adapt to the team’s dynamics and tried out several positions initially. We thought we’d improve after winning the league, but sometimes forcing players into unnatural roles causes issues.”
After joining from Juventus in 2001, Zidane had a modest first season, netting just seven goals in La Liga and three in the Champions League, though he provided 11 assists. His performance peaked later, scoring crucial goals in the Champions League knockout stages, including the final winning goal.
If Mbappe can replicate Zidane’s late-season impact, his rocky start will fade into a minor detail in what could be a standout debut year in Spain.
McManaman Advocates Patience as the Cure
McManaman believes the current struggles are largely about time and chemistry, emphasizing that players need to develop their rhythm together on the field.
“Last season, Madrid operated like a well-oiled machine with Rodrygo and Vini in their respective roles,” McManaman explained. “But with Toni Kroos unavailable now, things shifted. Jude has had to adapt his position, and Kylian also prefers the left side where Vini plays.”
“They just need to play together more. Coach Carlo Ancelotti won’t suddenly change their positions; he trusts that when all are fit, they will play. It’s crucial for these top players to figure out how to complement each other’s strengths.”
McManaman sees it as a matter of adaptability. He believes elite players can adjust and play various roles on the field, eliminating any potential conflicts.
“Since there are only 11 slots on the pitch, players like Vinicius and Mbappe should be versatile enough to play in multiple positions. I’ve played in several roles myself,” he remarked. “If a teammate is close by, it’s about being aware and positioning yourself accordingly. These players are at the top of their game, making it manageable.”
The culmination of this teamwork could be perfectly showcased during El Clasico, a stage that has historically crystallized the legacies of Real Madrid greats.
