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Real Madrid attacker talks up Kylian Mbappe arrival

Real Madrid attacker talks up Kylian Mbappe arrival
© Reuters
Real Madrid forward Rodrygo talks up the potential arrival of Paris Saint-Germain attacker Kylian Mbappe in the summer.

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has claimed that the arrival of Kylian Mbappe would create "a happy problem" for manager Carlo Ancelotti.

For a number of weeks, it has been widely reported that Mbappe has decided to depart Paris Saint-Germain in order to sign for Los Blancos in the summer.

While there has been no confirmation from the France international, who remains tight-lipped over his future, PSG boss Luis Enrique is making a habit of not always using the attacker in their recent games.

Mbappe cut a frustrated figure when being substituted against Marseille on Sunday night, with his recent withdrawal only strengthening the belief that he will be plying his trade in La Liga from 2024-25 onwards.

As it stands, it appears that he will be linking up with a club that will have regained the top-flight trophy, Ancelotti's side remaining eight points clear after Sunday's 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao.

Real Madrid's Rodrygo celebrates scoring against Athletic Bilbao on March 31, 2024© Reuters

What would Mbappe's arrival mean for Rodrygo?

If Mbappe does arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu, he will naturally be used in the final third of the pitch, and that will have consequences for a player already used in the attack.

Vinicius Junior is another guaranteed starter, posing the question of whether Rodrygo would be dropped to the substitutes' bench or Ancelotti will revert to a three-man frontline.

Rodrygo got on the scoresheet against Athletic, and after the match, the Brazil international was quizzed over Mbappe and the potential ramifications for him.

Speaking to Cadena SER, Rodrygo said: "I still don't know about Mbappe, I think it's close from what everyone says. I'll put my confidence in you [the media], but I don't know what's happening either.

"There are a lot of us, so let's see what the coach decides."

As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, he added: "If Mbappe comes, I will be benched? It will be an happy problem for the manager. I'm only focused on Real Madrid".

Real Madrid's Rodrygo celebrates scoring their first goal with Brahim Diaz on November 29, 2023© Reuters

How has Rodrygo performed this season?

When Karim Benzema was at Real, Rodrygo was largely used out wide, but that has changed since the legendary forward left for the Saudi Pro League.

Taking on more seniority down the centre and in the final third in general, the 23-year-old has contributed 15 goals and eight assists from 42 appearances in all competitions.

By comparison, Vinicius Junior has chipped in with 18 goals and eight assists from 28 appearances, yet Rodrygo has still proven to be a hit in his new role.

Joselu has complemented the pair with his extra physicality and scoring 14 goals in what has been an under-rated campaign from the 34-year-old.

Even if Mbappe does sign for Real, there is scope for the quartet's varying qualities to work in tandem or as alternatives under Ancelotti's watch.

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Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring their first goal on March 5, 2024
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid34276174225287
2GironaGirona34235673423174
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico34214963392467
5Athletic Bilbao341710755332261
6Real Sociedad341412848351354
7Real BetisBetis34131384339452
8Valencia34138133739-247
9Villarreal34129135658-245
10Getafe341013114147-643
11AlavesAlaves34118153238-641
12Sevilla341011134546-141
13Osasuna34116173751-1439
14Las PalmasLas Palmas34107173043-1337
15Celta Vigo34810164052-1234
16Rayo Vallecano34713142743-1634
17Mallorca34614142740-1332
18CadizCadiz34414162349-2626
19Granada3449213664-2821
RAlmeria34211213367-3417


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