Mbappe has never seen himself as a center forward. In fact, for many years, whether wearing the number 7 shirt at PSG or the number 10 shirt for the French national team, he has always tended to drop deeper, participating more in the build-up play.
Mbappe's desire to play was even controversial at one point. In the French national team, coach Deschamps almost always deployed a true "number 9" (Giroud or Benzema) playing ahead of him.
At PSG, the relationship between Mbappe and coach Christophe Galtier became strained when the latter insisted on him playing as the furthest forward in the attack. Mbappe sarcastically referred to himself as a "pivot striker" on social media.
With Luis Enrique, things are somewhat different. He still positions Mbappe as a number 9, but in a "false number 9" role. The French star is given complete freedom of movement, a compromise that Enrique accepts in exchange for goals.
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Mbappe has never considered himself a center forward. |
"Having a player who moves freely means there are situations I can't control," Enrique admitted. "Next year, I will be in control of everything." And then Mbappe left PSG.
Upon arriving at Real Madrid, Mbappe had to face the reality that Vinicius was the undisputed master of the left wing. He started as a central striker, but coach Ancelotti gradually gave him the freedom to move across the entire attacking front.
His breakout year in 2025, with the La Liga top scorer title and the European Golden Boot, shows that Mbappe can shine anywhere. Now, under Xabi Alonso and wearing the number 10 shirt, Mbappe's role has become even clearer.
Alonso's philosophy, which emphasizes ball control, creating dominance in midfield, and giving freedom to the attacking trio, seems like the perfect fit for a Mbappe who is at the peak of his career and wants to be the central figure in the team's playing style.
Source: https://znews.vn/real-madrid-giai-phong-mbappe-post1571749.html
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