Real Madrid concerned over superstar duo’s misfiring partnership | OneFootball

When Real Madrid signed Kylian Mbappe and paired him together with Vinicius Jr., the club had great hopes and expectations.

After all, two of the world’s best attacking players in the same squad promised an immediate boost to a squad that was already champions of Spain and Europe.

However, seven months after the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner’s arrival, his partnership with the 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up has yet to click.

Concern for Real Madrid

Now, according to journalist Jorge C Picon (h/t RM4Arab), Real Madrid are growing concerned about the lack of cohesive partnership on the field between Mbappe and Vinicius.

The club’s internal analysis is clear – either one shines, or the other does, but rarely both at the same time. More often, neither stands out. The recent match against Atletico Madrid highlighted the problem once again.

There have been only a handful of games where both have delivered their best performances simultaneously, whether through direct link-up play or individually.

Mbappe and Vinicius actively seek each other out on the pitch, attempting to assist one another, but many times their interactions seem forced – like a partnership they are trying to make work rather than one that naturally does.

Not clicking as hoped. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Real Madrid acknowledge that finding the right balance between them is not easy, but expectations were higher by this stage of the season. Individually, their talent is unquestioned and as long as they are fit, neither will be benched.

However, Real Madrid had hoped to see a better version of both by now – not necessarily a flawless combination, but at least a more effective partnership where they create space for each other and improve their efficiency in front of goal.

Not good enough

So far this season, Mbappe and Vinicius have started together 32 times, appearing in 35 matches overall, including those where one came off the bench. However, they have both scored in the same game just eight times.

Beyond their attacking struggles, their defensive work is another issue. Mbappe ranks among the lowest in distance covered and pressing statistics, while Vinicius runs more but lacks positional discipline.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti is trying to find a way for them to be more engaged defensively, but so far, it has been unsuccessful.

Although Real Madrid expected better coordination after seven months together, there is hope that the pair can resolve these issues heading into the business end of the season.