Mbappe – Back to His Best
We saw glimpses of the “true Mbappe” last season, but only in short bursts. This year is different. This is the best version of Mbappe we’ve seen in years. You probably have to go back to 2021–22 to find a similar level.
At this standard, Mbappe raises Madrid’s floor and pushes the ceiling even higher. He’s the de-facto leader, more mature, more focused. His recent comments in L’Equipe showed perspective and self-awareness. Add hunger and a chip on his shoulder, and the signs are clear: Mbappe looks
ready to dominate.
The ACL Boys Are Back
I expected Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao to need months before looking like starters again. I was wrong.
Carvajal was the best right back in the world before his injury, a genuine Ballon d’Or shout. Against Real Sociedad, he looked like that same player. His outside-of-the-boot pass to Mbappe in the first half was a pass even Trent would admire. Beyond technique, his leadership and defensive edge still give him an argument to start certain games. Alonso hinted as much in his pre-match press conference for the Marsielle game.
Militao is simply a genetic freak. To return from two ACL tears and nearly two years without consistent football, and then perform like this, is almost unreal. His speed, aerial dominance, and aggression are tailor-made for Alonso’s counter-pressing system. The challenge now is to manage his minutes and keep him healthy.
In-Game Calls After the Red Card
After the sending-off, Alonso’s substitutions showed his mindset: barricade the box and protect the lead. The most telling move was doubling up at left-back with Fran García and Alvaro Carreras.
Instead of inserting a player who could relieve pressure—carry the ball, draw fouls, hold possession—he opted to bunker down. It worked against Sociedad. But against stronger opposition, the same choices could easily backfire. Madrid can’t rely on low-block survivalism to win the biggest games.
