Kylian Mbappe has responded positively to Xabi Alonso\'s challenge about the responsibilities of wearing Real Madrid\'s number 10 shirt, showing improved defensive work and leadership qualities alongside his continued goalscoring form.
Alonso warned Mbappe that inheriting Luka Modric\'s number came with behavioral and leadership expectations beyond commercial appeal. ESPN reports that 345,000 Mbappe number 10 shirts were immediately sold, generating millions for Adidas and underlining Madrid\'s commercial value.
Mbappe has scored three goals in two La Liga matches since switching from number 9. His brace in Sunday\'s 3-0 victory over Real Oviedo demonstrated both his scoring prowess and enhanced defensive contributions.
Defensive Improvements Noted
The French striker showed increased tracking back and defensive awareness against Oviedo, including a crucial tackle that launched a counterattack. Mbappe also intervened when Vinicius Junior appeared ready to confront officials, covering his teammate\'s mouth to prevent potential disciplinary action.
\"You can see Kylian\'s on form, you can see he\'s engaged in what we\'re trying to do, his behavior and his desire to excel is infectious for the rest of the team,\" Alonso said after the victory.
Leadership Gestures Off the Pitch
Mbappe demonstrated leadership qualities beyond the field by giving his match-worn shirt to a young fan at halftime. He later provided his second-half shirt to an Oviedo player after Antonio Rudiger declined a shirt exchange.
\"Personally I love it when I see him do those tracking runs, when he changes his position a little and he\'s helping us defend from the front,\" Alonso explained.
The 26-year-old acknowledged the shirt\'s significance while maintaining focus on team success over individual recognition. Mbappe had waited eight years to wear number 10 at club level, previously wearing it only twice for AS Monaco as it was worn by Neymar at Paris Saint-Germain before his arrival.