3 months ago
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- Reports from Spain indicate that new signing Kylian Mbappé is set to become Real Madrid's new free-kick taker
- 25-year-old Mbappé has yet to score a goal from a direct free-kick, whether for his club or national team
- Decisions have also been made regarding which players will handle Real Madrid's other set-pieces this season
Real Madrid face a significant challenge following Toni Kroos's retirement as they search for a new free-kick specialist.
Kroos was renowned for his excellence in set-piece situations, whether delivering precise passes to teammates or taking shots on goal himself.
Source: Getty Images
It seems that Los Blancos have now chosen the player who will assume Kroos's role in taking direct free-kicks.
Marca reports that Carlo Ancelotti has chosen new signing Kylian Mbappé to handle free-kicks in dangerous positions.
While this role is typically reserved for the team's standout player, Mbappé's impressive but not necessarily outstanding free-kick record raises questions about his suitability for the job.
What is Mbappe's free kick record?
During his tenure at AS Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappé scored an impressive 192 goals in 246 appearances, per Transfermarkt.
However, none of those goals were from direct free-kicks, which makes his selection as the primary free-kick taker somewhat perplexing.
In total, the Frenchman has attempted nine direct free-kicks without scoring, with an expected goals (xG) of just 0.58.
He has been far more successful from the penalty spot, converting 20 of 24 attempts.
Madrid get new penalty taker
Meanwhile, Ancelotti and his charges have decided to entrust Vinícius Junior with penalty-taking duties.
The Brazilian has been focusing on practising penalties in training since his return from vacation, aiming to enhance his skills in this area.
This will certainly and in no doubt help Vinícius in his pursuit of the Pichichi trophy next season.
Mbappe opens up on playing position
Legit.ng earlier reported that Mbappe is willing to play any position in Real Madrid's attack as directed by manager Carlo Ancelotti next season.
The 25-year-old officially joined Los Blancos on July 1 after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired, concluding seven successful years at the Parc des Princes, the first on loan from Monaco.
During his first press conference following his unveiling as a Real Madrid player, Mbappe addressed these speculations, asserting his readiness to play wherever needed by Ancelotti.
Source: YEN.com.gh
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