Kylian Mbappe may have struggled for consistency at Real Madrid – but club president Florentino Perez is adamant he’s the future of the club.
And this could see the French forward’s happiness be prioritised over Vinicius Jr’s – leading to a major tactical change.
Since linking up with Los Blancos in the summer on a free transfer, Mbappe has chipped in with eight goals in 15 matches in all competitions.
Each of his appearances has seen the 2018 World Cup winner lead the line, with Vini Jr deployed on the left wing.
According to Sport, Mbappe’s entourage are concerned by boss Carlo Ancelotti predominantly using the player as a striker.
Mbappe regularly played on the left wing while at Paris Saint-Germain – ending his time at the Ligue 1 giants as their all-time top scorer with 256 goals.
And it has been said that the former Monaco man himself wants to play down the left flank ahead of his Brazilian teammate.
Such is Perez’s desire to keep Mbappe happy, it has been reported that he would be willing to get involved in the tactical decisions and play the 25-year-old there over Vinicius Jr.
However it remains to be clear what boss Ancelotti would make of such a demand.
Though the Spanish news outlet has suggested that Real fear that Mbappe and Vini Jr are unable to develop an understanding with each other on the pitch.
But Perez is claimed to only be willing to make the key decision should Mbappe keep misfiring as a No.9.
Despite Mbappe somewhat flattering to deceive this term, Vinicius Jr continues to impress – chipping in with nine goals and seven assists from 16 outings.
Meanwhile, it has been reported by Cadena SER that Real are planning their sorting project around Mbappe rather than Vinicius Jr.
The news outlet even hints that a decision could be made over Vinicius Jr in the summer in a possible shock departure.
It’s not just Mbappe that has struggled this campaign, with England international Jude Bellingham yet to find the back of the net so far from 12 fixtures.
After as many games last term, the Borussia Dortmund cult hero was already in double digits.
There is also fear from Real fans that their LaLiga title dreams are already over as they sit nine points behind rivals Barcelona.
Meanwhile they have lost two out of their four Champions League matches to leave them 18th in the 36-man table.
