In stark contrast to Kylian Mbappe‘s apparent discontent with his positional role at Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo adopted a refreshingly flexible attitude when he joined in 2009. Mbappe’s transition to Real Madrid has been marked by frustration and disappointment.

The 25-year-old’s attitude has been called into question, particularly with regards to his reported dissatisfaction with being deployed as a central striker by Carlo Ancelotti.

Unlike Ronaldo, who admitted he was open to playing in various positions, Mbappe’s inflexibility has raised concerns about his commitment, and with Los Blancos facing a nine-point deficit in La Liga and underwhelming performances in the Champions League, the pressure is mounting on Ancelotti to turn things around, and Mbappe to up his game.

The contrast between Ronaldo’s accommodating approach and Mbappe’s outspoken pleas has brought attention to just how demanding the Frenchman has been after finally ending the 12-month saga that saw him move from PSG.

Mbappe evidently prefers to play off the left, a role dominated at Real Madrid by Ballon d’Or runner-up Vinicius Junior. Notably prolific in this position in Paris and for France, Mbappe is less tasked with defensive duties, capitalising on space to either spread the play or cut inside.

However, expectations surrounding his move to Madrid have been met with complications as the irrepressible Vinicius remains steadfast in his position, relegating Mbappe to a central striking role. Despite scoring eight goals in 15 appearances, his work ethic as a No. 9 has seen him come under fire.

During the shocking 4-0 El Clasico defeat by Barcelona, Ancelotti’s tactics couldn’t contain Barcelona’s high line, with Mbappe not tracking back and straying offside no fewer than eight times equal to the number of kilometres he ran, leaving Ancelotti frustrated.

“We knew that they [Barcelona] played with a high line, and we just couldn’t take advantage of it,” Ancelotti exclaimed post-match. “Sometimes [Mbappe] fell offside, but he had three or four chances to score and needed a better finishing touch.”

Real Madrid’s defensive worries have only intensified due to Mbappe’s reluctance to follow his man back, highlighting the defensive instability brought about by the French superstar’s inclusion in the squad.

Yet, it is not just defensive issues brought about by Mbappe. Jude Bellingham, like Vinicius, is reportedly struggling with the tactical changes. Despite his success as a false nine last season, scoring 19 league goals and playing a key role in their Champions League triumph, the Englishman has been pushed deeper this term to accommodate the superstar 25-year-old.

However, Bellingham has yet to find the back of the net this season and is struggling to adapt to various roles since being ousted from his advanced role.

The blame will likely fall on Ancelotti, but the arrival of a frustrated Mbappe demanding to play in a specific position has disrupted the harmony of a team that won two titles last season, and changes will need to be made soon in Ancelotti wishes to keep his job and if Mbappe wishes to win over Real’s fans.