Kylian Mbappe Shows Dramatic Defensive Improvement Under Xabi Alonso
Kylian Mbappe has transformed his defensive workrate under new Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, making 2.5 ball recoveries per game compared to 1.06 last season.
The French forward scored twice in Madrid\'s 2-1 Champions League victory over Marseille, leading the team\'s high press in a performance that drew comparisons to Ballon d\'Or winner Ousmane Dembele. Alonso has succeeded where former PSG coach Luis Enrique failed in convincing Mbappe to commit defensively.
Madrid\'s prospects this season depend heavily on Mbappe buying into Alonso\'s tactical philosophy. The striker has made 15 ball recoveries in six LaLiga games this season, significantly improving his off-ball contribution.
Mbappe leads LaLiga with seven goals in six matches, taking 34 shots and creating 48 shot-creating actions. He has also converted all four penalty attempts this season after struggling with three saved penalties last campaign.
\"Xabi wants us to win the ball back more quickly,\" Mbappe said. \"I do what the boss asks me to do. He wants a high block, to win the ball high up [the pitch] and then we can create chances.\"
The transformation addresses Madrid\'s defensive shortcomings from last season under Carlo Ancelotti. Madrid conceded 16 goals across four matches against Barcelona and lost 5-1 on aggregate to Arsenal in Champions League quarterfinals.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois highlighted the tactical changes, noting that Alonso demands wingers and attacking midfielders track back quickly behind the ball. The approach will face its first major test Saturday in the Madrid derby against Atletico.
\"The problem comes when you don\'t defend with 11 players,\" Courtois said after the Marseille match. \"The boss is really on top of the wingers now.\"
Upcoming fixtures against Juventus, Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester City will determine whether Mbappe\'s defensive improvement represents genuine tactical evolution under Alonso.