Arranged in the central striker position for the past 6 weeks, star striker Kylian Mbappe has increasingly shown outstanding value in PSG’s attack. Many people even emphasize that Luis Enrique has found the most suitable formula for the home team’s attack.
The doubts surrounding Lucho’s lineup selection are starting to disappear. While some key players were absent, such as Achraf Hakimi returning to participate in CAN 2023 with the Morocco national team, Milan Skriniar’s ankle injury and a series of previous illnesses, Enrique did not have many options left for the starting lineup at the end. every week. Therefore, PSG’s 11 starting players do not have many surprises.
Even in attack, PSG is very stable with the Spanish coach’s layout. Lucho has completely eliminated the rookie duo worth 155 million euros, including Randal Kolo Muani (90) and Goncalo Ramos (65), to place the trio of Ousmane Dembele, Mbappe and Bradley Barcola – who are giving fans a great feeling. sense of trust and understanding.
However, the real highlight lies in Mbappe’s position. The French superstar began playing in the No. 9 position from the second half of the 1-1 draw with Newcastle on November 28. After a few weeks, he seemed to adapt more and more to his role as a striker. And until early 2024, after 2-0 victories over Toulouse (January 3) and Lens (January 14), Mbappe is considering playing in this position.
“With Luis Enrique’s setup, Mbappe still shows that he is an effective goalscorer, but he is more cohesive, more focused and most connected to the whole system. Lucho seems to have found a way to trigger an explosion in the French striker,” L’Equipe analyzed.
And the most important thing for Lucho and PSG right now is that Mbappe does not “reject” the number 9 position like under Christophe Galtier, or in the early days when the Spanish military leader “forced” him to play center forward. A bright smile and a relaxed state of mind appeared when Mbappe received the French Super Cup and after the victory over Lens.
Mbappe’s attitude and body language in the above matches showed many things. If Mbappe ended 2023 with an upset face, not even celebrating after scoring from the penalty spot in a 1-1 draw with Lille, then he welcomed the new year 2024 with a completely opposite mindset.
Mbappe can play more freely, even though his starting position is number 9. The interaction between Mbappe and his two effective partners in attack, including Dembele and Barcola, is always harmonious and effective. The match against Lens is a typical example. The combinations between this trio always cause trouble for the Northern team’s defense. Mbappe assisted Barcola to score the opening goal, then Dembele set up the ball for the 25-year-old striker to seal the victory.
Sublimating on the field (5 goals and 2 assists after the first 3 matches of 2024), Mbappe is also more “gentle” when talking about coach Enrique’s layout. “When talking to Lucho, he said that a good player can play in many positions. Therefore, I think I am a good player. The important thing is that no matter what position I play, I try to adjust accordingly and effectively. That is, we do not feel disoriented. So whether Lucho wanted me to play as a centre-forward, on the left or on the right, I played my best. I think I have no problem as I always have good performances,” Mbappe emphasized.
In the 2021/22 season, Mbappe won the double title of Top Scorer (28) and King of Assists (17). That shows that he is completely capable of serving his partners in attack. However, in recent years, Mbappe has tended to dribble and shoot more and especially likes to play one-on-one.
When Lucho arrived, his role gradually changed. Mbappe does not focus on scoring goals but plays more widely, always moving and ready for quick attacks. Before Lens, Mbappe touched the ball 78 times – his record in Ligue 1 this season. He retreats to develop the ball, holds the rhythm, and changes position when needed. Mbappe’s passes also become more unpredictable and dangerous, when he has time and space to make decisions.
“The important thing is that Kylian feels number 9 is just a calling for a playing position. On the field, he has full freedom to play what he can do best and most effectively. Perhaps, Kylian is more unpredictable and dangerous when played this way,” Lens coach Franck Haise emphasized after the match.
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