Mbappé vs Zidane: the tactical debate looming at Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappé already has a lot to manage with Real Madrid between the Champions League, the Clasico and the Ballon d’Or deadline, but according to L’Équipe, his positioning in the French national team could quickly become the main subject again at his next call‑up.

The striker’s role at the centre of the debate

At Real Madrid, the captain of the Bleus is currently playing as a centre‑forward. Depending on the number of goals scored by the time of the November gathering, he could use his return to the national team to discuss with Zinedine Zidane the area where he feels most effective.

Zidane has already begun to adjust certain offensive balances since taking charge, notably by using Ousmane Dembélé differently when Mbappé occupied the left side more.

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The debate therefore concerns less Mbappé’s position than how to use him. With Real, his statistics remain very high in the centre, but in the national team, his preference for the left side and the need to combine several offensive profiles may lead Zidane to look for a different formula.

The new manager has already imposed very precise playing principles, and the upcoming discussion between the two men could become one of his first major tactical dossiers.

Mbappé will rejoin the Bleus after a potentially decisive spell with Real and, perhaps, with an additional Ballon d’Or in the picture.