Mbappé transforms: Xabi Alonso revolutionizes Real Madrid

Mbappé and the Transformation of Real Madrid: A New Era of Dominance?

Kylian Mbappé, with a smile, listened to Xabi Alonso’s praises. The French striker, who scored two goals and was named player of the match, led Real Madrid to victory against Olympique de Marseille in the Champions League (2-1). In the mixed zone of the Santiago Bernabéu, Alonso, with a smile, praised the performance of his star, aware of Mbappé’s own presence.

“It wasn’t bad. As usual. Two goals. He has an incredible impact. We are happy to have him, but there’s a long way to go and we’re just getting started,” commented Alonso, with a knowing look towards Mbappé.

Xabi Alonso

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😂 "Su partido no ha estado mal"@XabiAlonso y @KMbappe con @Rsierraplus. #LaCasaDelFútbol #UCL pic.twitter.com/XhPuMnShw4

— Fútbol en Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarFutbol) September 16, 2025

Real Madrid’s aspirations for the season, starting with Saturday’s derby against Atlético de Madrid, largely depend on Mbappé and Alonso. The 2024-25 season was not favorable for them. Mbappé’s performance against Marseille evoked comparisons to Ousmane Dembélé, who was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 2025. Mbappé led Madrid’s pressure, disrupting the opponent’s game and allowing Alonso’s team to regain the ball in dangerous positions. Experts compared his performance to the image of Dembélé in the Champions League final, ready to pressure Inter’s defense.

Luis Enrique transformed Dembélé into a complete and consistent forward. A process he couldn’t complete with Mbappé, who joined Madrid in 2024.

“Attacking, you are a god. There is no one like you,” Luis Enrique said to Mbappé, in a conversation for a documentary. “But the day you don’t attack, you have to be the best player in history defending. That’s a leader. That’s Michael Jordan.”

Luis Enrique

The big question is whether Alonso will be able to achieve what Luis Enrique couldn’t: convince Mbappé, who scored 44 goals last season, to become a complete player for Real Madrid. So far, the results are promising. In six LaLiga matches, Mbappé has recovered the ball 15 times, an average of 2.5 per game, compared to 36 recoveries from the previous season. In the 2-0 victory over Espanyol, the Bernabéu fans celebrated when Mbappé ran to prevent a counterattack, recovering the ball in his own half. This illustrates the change in Mbappé’s game and his adaptation to Alonso’s vision.

“Xabi wants us to win the ball back faster. I do what the coach asks of me. He wants a high block, to win the ball up high and create chances. We will get used to it and it will help the team win titles… I want to help the team. Whether it’s scoring goals, pressing, or with assists, I want to help the team,” declared Mbappé.

Kylian Mbappé

Alonso, known for his meticulousness, has clearly communicated his message. His praise for Mbappé’s football intelligence insinuated that the striker “understands football”. Mbappé, who saw Madrid’s defensive deficiencies last season, seems to have accepted the need for a change.

Although the sample is limited, the change in Mbappé’s off-the-ball play seems gradual. His high-intensity pressures have increased slightly. However, regarding goals, Mbappé has started the 2025-26 season at a high speed, with nine goals in seven matches, accumulating 53 goals in 66 appearances with Madrid.

Mbappé leads several statistics in LaLiga, including goals scored, expected goals, shots taken, shots on target, shot-creating actions, and successful dribbles. In addition, he is second in key passes. Alonso has expressed his optimism about Mbappé’s form. Mbappé has improved aspects of his game that were criticized, such as his work without the ball and his effectiveness from the penalty spot. After missing several penalties last season, he has converted 4 out of 4 this season.

“Kylian is at an incredible level. We know that with him we have more chances of winning matches,” said Aurélien Tchouaméni.

Aurélien Tchouaméni

Courtois highlighted the importance of teamwork in defense. The rivals Madrid has faced so far have not been a real test. The derby against Atlético de Madrid will be a crucial challenge. Afterwards, matches against Juventus, Barcelona, Liverpool, and Manchester City are coming up. Then, it will be seen if Mbappé’s transformation is real.