Kylian Mbappé showcased his talent once again, scoring twice in Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Marseille in the Champions League on October 4, 2023. His performance not only earned him the title of player of the match but also highlighted the transformative influence of coach Xabi Alonso on his game. During the post-match interview at the Santiago Bernabéu, Alonso humorously acknowledged Mbappé’s contributions, stating, “He wasn’t bad… Two goals. He has an incredible impact.” As the team prepares for a crucial derby against Atlético Madrid on October 7, the partnership between Alonso and Mbappé appears to be pivotal for Real Madrid’s ambitions this season.
Alonso’s coaching philosophy has drawn comparisons to that of Luis Enrique, who successfully guided Ousmane Dembélé to a Ballon d’Or win in 2025. There are hopes that Mbappé can replicate this success under Alonso’s guidance. The forward’s recent performance against Marseille demonstrated his willingness to adopt a more defensive role, leading Madrid’s press and disrupting the opposition’s buildup play. This marks a significant shift from his previous approach, where he often appeared reluctant to contribute defensively.
Alonso’s early days at Madrid raised questions about his ability to motivate Mbappé to embrace a more rounded game. Historically, the French forward scored an impressive 44 goals last season but lacked consistency in his defensive duties. Yet, this season, he has already made 15 ball recoveries in just six LaLiga matches, averaging 2.5 recoveries per game. This is a notable improvement compared to his average of 1.06 per game last season, where he finished with 36 recoveries in 34 appearances.
In Madrid’s recent 2-0 victory over Espanyol, the crowd erupted as Mbappé sprinted back to thwart a counter-attack, winning the ball in his own half. This moment highlighted his evolving game and suggested he is embracing Alonso’s vision of a high-pressing style. Reflecting on this change, Mbappé stated, “Xabi wants us to win the ball back more quickly. I do what the boss asks me to do… I want to help the team.”
Alonso has been deliberate in his praise for Mbappé, often acknowledging the forward’s understanding of the game. His comments suggest a belief that Mbappé’s potential can be fully realized at Madrid. Last season, the team’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed, leading to disappointing exits in key competitions. The current season’s early statistics indicate that Mbappé’s off-the-ball contributions are improving, although some metrics show only slight changes.
Despite these improvements, Mbappé’s offensive output remains striking. He has already netted nine goals in seven matches, significantly outpacing his performance at the start of the previous season, when he failed to score in his first three games. He currently leads LaLiga in goals, with seven, and has the highest expected goals at 6.1.
Alonso expressed optimism about Mbappé’s form, acknowledging past struggles but emphasizing their growing understanding on the field. The forward has also improved his penalty-taking, converting all four attempts this season after experiencing difficulties last year. Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni noted, “We know with him, we have more chance of winning games.”
The transformation extends beyond Mbappé. Thibaut Courtois pointed out the importance of all players contributing defensively, stating, “The boss is really on top of the wingers now… they have to get back quickly behind the ball.” This collective defensive responsibility marks a shift in Real Madrid’s approach under Alonso.
As the season progresses, Real Madrid’s upcoming fixtures will provide a clearer picture of the team’s capabilities. They are set to face strong opponents, including Juventus in the Champions League and Barcelona in LaLiga. As they prepare for these challenges, the effectiveness of Alonso’s strategies and Mbappé’s evolution as a player will be under scrutiny. The Madrid derby against Atlético promises to be a significant test of both players and the team’s overall progress this season.
