Thierry Henry, the Arsenal icon, has expressed his opinion on Kylian Mbappe’s performance at Real Madrid, noting that the Frenchman still has much room for improvement. According to Henry, Mbappe needs to adapt quickly, as Real Madrid is known for not giving their players much time to settle in.
Thierry Henry’s Assessment of Kylian Mbappe’s Performance
This summer, Mbappe realized his dream by joining Real Madrid, the reigning Spanish and European champions. Despite forming a formidable attacking force alongside Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham, Mbappe’s presence has not necessarily elevated Real Madrid’s performance. They have already suffered a loss in the UEFA Champions League and currently lag behind Barcelona in La Liga.
Unlike his usual position, Mbappe has been playing more centrally, affecting his goal-scoring output. With eight goals in 13 matches so far, his performance is considered below par given his capabilities.
During an interview with CBS Sports Golazo, Henry commented:
“Is he playing at his best like he did during his PSG days? No. He still has a lot to learn. Playing as a No.9 is challenging for him at the moment. Scoring goals is not enough at clubs like Real Madrid. While we often say that players need time to adapt to a new club, unfortunately, Real Madrid doesn’t afford much time when you wear their jersey.”
Vinicius Jr. Surpasses Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid
Initially expected to be Real Madrid’s main goal scorer this season, Mbappe has been outperformed by Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian winger, a strong contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award, has been exceptional in the attacking third, consistently scoring goals and providing assists. With eight goals and seven assists in 14 games this season, Vinicius Jr. continues to impress.
His standout performance came in the recent match against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League on October 22, where Real Madrid secured a 5-2 victory after being 2-0 down. Vinicius Jr. scored a hat-trick in just 30 minutes during the second half, with two of the goals being solo efforts. His remarkable display earned him the match ball and the Man of the Match award.
