Real Madrid fans are demanding answers from Kylian Mbappé: what he did in Elche is already viral

Kylian Mbappé is the main  attacking reference for Real Madrid this season. In 17 matches, he has already scored an impressive 18 goals and provided 3 assists, star numbers that justify the entire sports project revolving around him. It is clear that a large part of Madrid's aspirations for this season depend on the Frenchman's form.

However, the recent statistic is concerning for those around the club. In the last three matches, Kylian Mbappé hasn't managed to score and Real Madrid hasn't been able to win any of them. When the "10" fades, the team loses much of their threat in the final third.

Kylian Mbappé returns to old ways

In Elche, it became clear again that Mbappé is going through a small slump. His performance at the Martínez Valero was far from the level expected of one of the best in the world. He was disconnected from the collective play and barely had a clear chance against Iñaki Peña, which he ended up missing.

Beyond the statistics, what worries much of the fanbase is his position on the field. With Vinícius keeping the left wing, Kylian Mbappé is forced to play in a much more central area, almost like a classic "9". That tactical nuance directly affects how he interprets the game.

Mbappé is an striker who has set himself apart by attacking space from the wing, running forward with open field ahead. At Real Madrid, he often receives the ball with his back to goal, surrounded by center-backs and without the chance to use his stride. That context forces him to make decisions that aren't always the most natural for him.

Kylian Mbappé shows he's not a "9"

The clearest example, which has already gone viral, came in a much-discussed play against Elche. Arda Güler elegantly carried the ball to the edge of the box, lifting his head to link up with his teammates. Instead of attacking the space behind the center-backs, Mbappé decided to move away from the center of the box and drift into a more comfortable area for him, shifting to the left.

The play called for exactly the opposite. The scenario was perfect for a pure "9" to break into space, offering himself behind the defense with an aggressive run. Any box striker would have read that play as a clear invitation to finish, not to move away from the spotlight.

That movement from Kylian Mbappé has upset Madridists because it symbolizes a long-standing problem. The team doesn't have a box finisher who lives inside the penalty spot, and it shows in tough matches like the one in Elche. Neither Mbappé nor Vinícius fit that profile, no matter how many goals they have in their boots.

Kylian Mbappé's situation is clear

Social media have been filled with criticism and debate after that specific play. Many fans have demanded explanations from Kylian Mbappé, questioning his decision to move away from the box. Few understand why he didn't run into space in that play where he had the advantage.

From a sports planning perspective, the message these situations send is clear. Real Madrid needs to bring in a box "9" who lives to finish, who sees every cross and every run as a chance to attack space. A profile that complements Mbappé instead of forcing him to take on a role that doesn't maximize his strengths.

Meanwhile, until that happens, we'll see more scenes like the one that's already gone viral in Elche. Kylian Mbappé will keep appearing, but always a bit farther from where matches are decided: inside the box. That's where Madridists, rightly, start demanding explanations and, above all, solutions.