The Sports Buff ⚽️ ⚾️ 🏈

If it’s not Yamine Yamal, then it can be argued that the France captain and Real Madrid striker is the best player in the world. His numbers (85 goals in 100 games for Real Madrid), as well as being PSG’s record top goalscorer with 56 goals in 96 games, and scoring 56 goals in 96 games for his country, are insane stats!

Despite those impressive numbers, the 27-year-old former Monaco striker appears to be at a crossroads in his career. How? This is what some may genuinely wonder, which is a legitimate claim.

The modern game has evolved somewhat from the days when I watched the beautiful game. Football is too methodical, it’s too ‘perfect’. Gone are the days of the Paul Scholes-esque blockbuster pass or the Steven Gerrard pass for that matter.

Passes seem to be no longer than 10 yards, almost. Yes, Pep or Mikel Arteta are trying to change that, but players like Mbappe don’t seem to fit in the modern game. Quite a statement to make about a World Cup winner.

First Pochettino, then Luis Enrique, then Alonso and most recently Alvaro Arbeloa. None of these guys have managed to get the required beat out of the former PSG striker.

In fact, some Real Madrid fans think that it was Mbappe the weak link in the front three of Neymar, Messi and Kylian Mbappe. That many managers can’t be wrong. The man has bags of talent, but he can’t track back if his life depended on it.

But on the other hand, why should it matter that some with Kylian Mbappe’s ability be forced to track back? The man is one of the best players in the modern era.

It’s almost a case of then asking why Camavinga isn’t able to join attacks when Real goes forward? Daft logic, right? Well, not in the minds of the Real faithful. Is the Frenchman getting goals? Yes, in abundance. So well then? Someone can surely cover his workload or divide the load across the dressing room.