The mask may soon be removed, but the pressure on Kylian Mbappe’s shoulders is the real challenge for the French star.
Kylian Mbappe’s nose and the mask protecting it have been the center of attention since he was injured in the opening match of EURO 2024 against Austria. Mbappe warmed up the final group match against Poland without wearing a mask, then struggled to adjust it when he put it on. He even had to ask for help from the coaching staff to adjust the mask at the beginning of the second half.
Before the match, Polish captain Robert Lewandowski, who had to wear a mask in 2015, shared about the inconvenience and limited visibility it brought. However, it was Lewandowski who accidentally caused Mbappe to hold his face after a collision. The image of Mbappe holding his face, checking the mask and complaining to his opponent partly shows the discomfort he is experiencing.
Mbappe encountered some difficulties when having to wear a mask to compete.
Coach Didier Deschamps after the match spoke up to defend his student: “I think he played quite well with the mask. He needs to get used to it. But he is hungry to play and this match.” will help him.” He also revealed that sweat flowing into his eyes made it difficult for Mbappe to wear a mask.
However, it seems that the mask is only a small problem, because the most difficult problem that France and Mbappe have to solve lies in their own playing style. Is “Les Bleus”, the team that has reached the last two World Cup finals and has a quality squad, relying too much on Mbappe?
It feels like his teammates are relying too much on Kylian Mbappe , like kids who have absolute faith in their best classmate. And sometimes, Mbappe himself makes things difficult. The moment he dived in to steal the ball from Bradley Barcola in the penalty area as if to say “leave it to me” is proof.
Mbappe’s dribbling moves in the match against Poland.
Mbappe had five of France’s eight shots on target against Poland. He also led the way in successful dribbles (six), tied with Belgium’s Jeremy Doku . His only goal from the penalty spot was also his first at a EURO. Those statistics partly show the dynamism, but also the burden Mbappe is carrying.
Mbappe’s positioning is also an issue. Starting as a centre-forward, he roams the pitch, often dropping deep and wide, as if searching for the familiar space that has brought him so many goals at the World Cup. This makes France’s play predictable, although it is understandable that Griezmann, another source of inspiration up front, did not play.
Mbappe’s touches against Poland.
The satellites around Mbappe also played quite lacklusterly. Ousmane Dembélé, in addition to providing an assist from a straight dribble, otherwise played ineffectively. Barcola, after the unfortunate situation of having the ball stolen, did not leave much of an impression. The midfield also played unimpressively.
Perhaps it is too early to make any analysis. France are still a strong team, and we all know their ability to explode in major tournaments. However, if they want to go far, Deschamps needs to create a better connection between Mbappe and his teammates, to share the burden and create collective strength. The mask may soon be removed, but the pressure on Mbappe’s shoulders is the real challenge for the 25-year-old star.
