Kylian Mbappé is one of the most exciting footballers of our time and his role at Parisian club PSG is controversial. Since joining the club in 2017, he has become not only the face of the team, but also one of the key players capable of deciding the outcome of matches. However, the question of what exact tactical role he plays – striker or universal player – remains open.
On the one hand, Mbappé can be considered a central striker. His speed, dribbling and ability to be in the right place at the right time make him ideal for finishing attacks. He often finds himself at the forefront of attacks, where his physical qualities and technique allow him to effectively exploit the chances created by his teammates. As such, he demonstrates astonishing one-on-one skills with defenders, making him dangerous both in the penalty area and on the flanks.
On the other hand, his versatility allows him to play successfully in different positions of the offensive line. Mbappé has a great sense of space and knows how to adapt to changing situations on the pitch. He can play as a left or right winger, giving the staff the opportunity to vary tactics depending on the opposition. In such roles, he not only creates chances for himself, but also actively participates in the construction of attacks, thus opening up space for other players.
The tactical formations employed by PSG's coaches also highlight Mbappé's versatility. In a 4-3-3 system, he often moves to the wing, allowing him to use his speed to refine the play. In such situations, he becomes not only a performer, but also a creator, exposing the ball to other players. It is important to note that his ability to play defensively, even if it is not his primary focus, makes him a valuable asset in systems that require high levels of activity from all outfield players.
However, Mbappe's versatility also raises questions about where he can be most effective. Sometimes, his movements around the pitch lead to him being left without the ball at key moments, which can have a negative impact on the team's attacking potential. This highlights the need to balance roles within the attacking line, especially when it comes to star players such as Lionel Messi or Neymar, who also need the ball and space to play.
Another important detail is how opponents adapt to Mbappé's style of play. His speed and dribbling put defenders in difficult positions and many teams start to use double or even triple coverage when he is on the pitch. This creates additional opportunities for other PSG players, making the team even more unpredictable and dangerous in attack.
In recent seasons, Mbappé has tended to increasingly assume the role of captain and leader on the pitch. This adds additional responsibilities and complicates his role: he must not only score, but also improve the performance of the entire team. In such conditions, his versatility becomes particularly valuable, as he is able not only to finish attacks, but also to direct the play, creating opportunities for others.
Thus, it can be said that Kylian Mbappe at PSG is not just a striker, but a versatile player capable of adapting to various tactical schemes and tasks. His attacking game includes both finishing chances and creating them for his teammates, which makes him an asset for any team aiming for success at the highest level.
In conclusion, Mbappé's role at PSG can be described as multifaceted. He remains a central figure in the attacking line, but his abilities go far beyond those of a classic striker. His versatility, speed and tactical intelligence allow him to be both creative and efficient, making him one of the most valuable players in modern football.
