Not as a striker or on the wing: the position Mbappé has played in the second half

Real Madrid tested itself this Tuesday in Austria against WSG Tirol. It was the only preseason friendly before the official start. A clear 4-0 victory and several interesting tactical details.

One of them featured Kylian Mbappé. The Frenchman didn't play the entire match in his usual positions as an out-and-out striker or as a winger. From the 60th minute, he took up a different position.

Formation change after the substitutions

At the start of the second half, Xabi Alonso made changes from the bench. Rodrygo moved to the left wing,Gonzalo was positioned as the center forward, and Brahim kept his place on the right.

This adjustment left Mbappé in a new role: attacking midfielder or second striker. A more central area, behind the "9".

The change was surprising. It wasn't common to see him there at PSG, where he usually played wide or as a striker, nor last season under Ancelotti.

In that position, Mbappé had the freedom to appear on both wings. He received with his back to goal, turned, and looked for the final pass. He also attacked the spaces left by the opposing defense.

His presence between the lines caused problems for Tirol. The center backs didn't know whether to follow him or wait. The central midfielders were left outnumbered.

Additionally, he linked up with Rodrygo and Brahim with ease. There were quick one-twos, changes of pace, and dangerous diagonals.

A resource for the future

The test may not be a coincidence. Xabi Alonso could see this role as an alternative for certain matches.

With Mbappé as an attacking midfielder, Madrid gain verticality and unpredictability. It also opens up more attacking options, as it allows three forwards to be joined by an extra midfielder behind them.

Mbappé himself seemed comfortable. He scored again in that second half and assisted Rodrygo for the fourth. His ability to drag defenders and create space was evident.

The integration of the Frenchman is one of the season's debates. With Vinicius, Rodrygo, Endrick, Brahim, and now Gonzalo, the combinations are numerous.

The attacking midfielder position gives the coach another tool. It's not a fixed spot for Mbappé, but it is an option to break down compact defenses.

The friendly against Tirol was a laboratory. The result was positive. The experiment with Mbappé as an attacking midfielder made it clear that, wherever he plays, he always creates danger.