Kylian Mbappé as a Number 9: Not a Good Idea ?

Benoît Cheyrou, a Prime Video consultant, shared his perspective in L’Équipe on the debate surrounding the position of 24-year-old forward Kylian Mbappé as a long-term number 9.

Luis Enrique has Gonçalo Ramos, Kolo Muani, Asensio, but places… Kylian Mbappé as a number 9. Benoit Cheyrou finds this idea a bit unconventional. « I have serious doubts, especially when I observe Luis Enrique’s lineup. Yes, I see Gonçalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani on the bench, but I also see Lucas Hernandez and Milan Skriniar, the two left central defenders, sitting next to them. So, no, I don’t believe it’s a long-term plan to place Mbappé as a number 9. »

Luis Enrique loves to use attackers on the wings to stretch opposing defenses, with what looks like a 3-3-4 formation. « At most, I believe he would be more tempted to play with a false nine, as he did with Lee Kang-in at Reims. »

« However, there are actions that don’t lie. On Prime, we’ve analyzed the tactical boards on PSG’s crosses from the right. Regardless of who plays as the number 9, Ramos or Kolo Muani, they always cut to the near post to free up space at the far post for Mbappé to take a shot with his right foot. In the end, I don’t think bringing Mbappé closer to Ousmane Dembélé changes things. These two are already searching for each other a lot on the field. »