As one of the most monumental signings in history, Real Madrid’s acquisition of Kylian Mbappe has dominated headlines this summer.



After his contract with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/psg-tv-schedule/">Paris Saint-Germain</a> ended, the French superstar joined Los Blancos on a free transfer. 



Nevertheless, Mbappe’s transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu was not exactly cheap, even if there was no transfer fee. 



This contract highlights <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a>‘s financial strength and their desire to maintain their position as one of the world’s top teams.



 It includes a reported signing-on bonus of $108 million and yearly earnings of $16 million after taxes for five years.



When he made the announcement, the 25-year-old described his move to the Madrid giants as “a dream come true”. But, given his results and performances at Euro 2024, this dream might become a difficult struggle. 



His potential is undeniable; he scored 27 goals in 29 games for Ligue 1 and helped France reach the semi-finals of Euro 2024. However, how he will fit into Real Madrid’s current system is an open issue.



<h2>Positional clash: Mbappe vs Vinicius</h2>



A significant issue Real Madrid face is the positional clash between Mbappe and their current star, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/mbappe-advised-about-vinicius-influence-on-new-role-at-madrid/">Vinicius</a>. 



The former thrives as a left-winger, the same position where Vinicius has excelled, becoming a Ballon d’Or contender and contributing 24 goals and 11 assists last season. 



In the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-european-championship-tv-schedule/">Euro 2024</a> semifinal against Spain, Mbappe’s lackluster performance from the left wing highlighted potential problems. 



France’s attack only came to life when Bradley Barcola replaced Mbappe on the left, a substitution that brought more dynamism and effectiveness.



This scenario suggests that accommodating Mbappe might disrupt the balance that has been crucial to Real Madrid’s success. As a result, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ancelotti-real-madrid-breaks-records/">Carlo Ancelotti</a> faces a tactical dilemma. 



Dropping Vinicius to accommodate Mbappe on the left seems implausible given the Brazilian’s contributions and his chemistry with other key players like Jude Bellingham.



The Italian boss might consider shifting the Frenchman to a central role, but this solution is not straightforward. 



With Karim Benzema’s departure, Bellingham effectively filled the central attacking role last season, thriving as a false nine and forming a potent partnership with Vinicius. Bellingham’s 23 goals and 13 assists were instrumental in Madrid’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-la-liga-on-us-tv-and-internet/">La Liga</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-uefa-champions-league-and-europa-league-on-us-tv-and-internet/">Champions League</a> triumphs. 



Moving Mbappe to the center could unsettle this productive dynamic.



Moreover, Mbappe has publicly expressed his preference for playing on the wing rather than as a central striker. His reluctance to play as a number nine was evident during his time at PSG, where he struggled to adapt to the central role when Neymar was on the wing. 



The 25-year-old has stated he enjoys the freedom he has when playing for France, suggesting a potential challenge in convincing him to adapt to a new role in the Spanish capital.



<h2>Mbappe’s arrival shifts things in middle as well</h2>



Given these complexities, Ancelotti might revert to a 4-3-3 formation, which allows Mbappe, Vinicius, and Rodrygo to play together. However, this shift would necessitate benching one of the midfielders, <a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/real-madrid/20240713/1002280699/trabajos-ancelotti-pretemporada.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mundo Deportivo</a> say. 



With Bellingham and Federico Valverde being key starters, the choice would be between Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga for the third midfield spot. Tchouameni is likely to be favored for the deeper role, which could limit Camavinga’s playing time.



Ancelotti’s successful 4-4-2 diamond system last season, which maximized Bellingham’s abilities, might be abandoned to accommodate Mbappe. This change, while potentially beneficial in integrating the superstar, could disrupt the midfield balance that contributed to their double-winning campaign.



Photo credit: IMAGO / NurPhoto.

Madrid to sit key player due to tactical tweak caused by Mbappe

As one of the most monumental signings in sports history, Real Madrid's acquisition of Kylian Mbappe has dominated headlines this summer.

Madrid to sit key player due to tactical tweak caused by Mbappe - World Soccer Talk

As the summer international soccer competitions approach, Real Madrid will have to contend with Mbappe potentially playing in the Olympics. The top players in the world may be subject to competing in both Paris 2024 and the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-european-championship-tv-schedule/">European Championships</a> or Copa America.



But <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/france-to-add-mbappe-and-two-euro-2024-stars-for-olympics/">France</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> could have a different story, as per <a href="https://www.lequipe.fr/Jo-2024-paris/Football/Article/Le-real-madrid-refuse-de-liberer-ses-joueurs-francais-pour-les-jo/1454754" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">L’Equipe</a>. Los Blancos have reportedly decided not to send any of their players to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Since the Olympic Games are not an official FIFA event, the choice to send players goes to the clubs.



July 26–August 11 is when the international multi-sport tournament is held in France. So, it is ultimately up to the clubs to decide if their players may compete in the Olympics. In addition, France boss Thierry Henry has also suggested Madrid will not send any players to the 2024 Summer Olympics.



“We know very well that Real Madrid is an institution but once again, one must stay in one place and try to send an email to see if we can have a meeting. If ever there is a meeting, we will try to plead our case. If the no stays as a no, I don’t have the cards in my hand to try and get something”, Henry told <a href="https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/jeux-olympiques/jo-de-paris-2024-je-les-aiderai-oudea-castera-interviendra-pour-que-mbappe-griezmann-et-les-stars-soient-presentes_AV-202403210218.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RMC</a>.



<h2>What Real Madrid defender thinks about Mbappe and the Olympics</h2>



With so many players available to the La Liga leaders, the Arsenal icon was hoping to include some of them in his team, so this is a huge disappointment. Three French players in Carlo Ancelotti’s team, including 24-year-old Tchouameni, are vying for a spot on Les Blues’ Olympic roster.



Due to Real Madrid’s attitude, several more French national team stars like Ferland Mendy, and Eduardo Camavinga could not be able to compete. Also, if Kylian Mbappe signs with the Spanish club this summer—as has been widely reported—it may have an impact on him.



Even though it is Los Blancos’ choice, Tchouameni made his feelings about competing in the Olympics known. “It’s clear that playing in the Olympic Games in our country is extraordinary.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240322_WST_496824_Tchouameni-Olympics-1200x670_15f0d8b2.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-496865" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Tchouameni-Olympics-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Tchouameni-Olympics-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Tchouameni-Olympics-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Tchouameni-Olympics.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



“It’s something we will not be able to repeat in our lifetime, but Real Madrid are our employers and if they decided to veto our presence, we have nothing to say about it.



“Plus, I think everyone knows that it’s not necessarily good to disagree with your employer on a daily basis. We would’ve liked to participate but we will support our country as fans”, <a href="https://www.marca.com/futbol/real-madrid/2024/03/21/65fc3fefca4741d00a8b4590.html?fbclid=IwAR3tX9qnk68y7-Pyru7-Qp0-tA7r5tghVKFGswbSXLQE9h_IUqRucvX6X2Y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the midfielder said</a>.



<h2>Other teams to follow suit?</h2>



Equally intriguing is the prospect of additional players, both French and foreign, being granted permission to skip a significant portion of pre-season training.



Since the Olympics are quickly approaching, several clubs are watching their players’ involvement with suspicion. As the number of games played each week increases, more clubs may take a page out of Real Madrid’s playbook. Especially, since teams always seek ways to keep their players fresh and healthy.



Under Olympic regulations, every country may field a maximum of three athletes who are 23 years old or older. A few teams may actively push for their young talents to compete on a global stage. Senior players, who are already seeing first-team action at the domestic level, will have a tough choice to make.



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Real Madrid to veto Olympic games: What it means for Mbappe

As the summer international soccer competitions approach, Real Madrid will have to contend with Mbappe potentially playing in the Olympics.

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Madrid to sit key player due to tactical tweak caused by Mbappe

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Real Madrid to veto Olympic games: What it means for Mbappe