That is the worst analogy ever, it would be better used to demonstrate the complete opposite point -- we're not asking Mbappe to grow taller, just press more off the ball. Players can absolutely develop during their career. Benzema changed to press more. CR7 changed from a trickpony right-winger to a cutthroat LF. Modric was an advanced playmaker in his early career, then became the best CM in the world. Bale went from LB to LM to CAM to RW. Etc etc
Your examples are mostly changes of position not changes of character. Mbappe already did that (for better or for worse) and did not change his approach. The only exception is Benzema who is a very different character from Mbappe and had a lot of circumstances coming in play at the same time for that to happen (Ronaldo leaving, becoming captain etc). Mbappe is already a developed character and nothing in his character indicates that he is either willing or capable of doing what we would like in this regard. He is what he is. He already won the WC, could win it again and does his job scoring 1 GPG. In his mind there is no reason to change. Others should. Whats the point of wishing he changes his mind?
The thing about pressing as a striker is it keeps the player engaged in all phases of play. It's very easy to wander around, lose sight of the game, and when the ball reaches you you are still trying to get back in the game. Pressing or at least following defenders keeps you in the game at all times, and keeps you aware of when the ball might be coming your way and when a good run can be made. I think this was Benzema's biggest improvement, his finishing improved because he was always in the game. He has had some memorable presses that actually result in him winning the ball high up (Mendy/Rudiger against Chelsea, Liverpool CL final, Bayern SF), but in most games I don't know if his high press was really that consequential. His finishing was waaaaay better once he started doing that though. I don't know if stats back me on this, but I felt that way when I played football upfront too.
🚨 Since 2018, Kylian Mbappé has not kept any of his match fees from playing for France.👉🏻 Every appearance fee and bonus is donated in full to charities supporting hospitalised children, struggling families, or those responsible for the security of the France team.Mbappé… pic.twitter.com/Zozjx902CP— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 13, 2026
Kylian’s old Facebook profile always gets me. 😂❤️ pic.twitter.com/xiyd719T5Q— 10 (@Kylian) July 14, 2026
this guy footballing abilities has deteriorated so much ,it is embarasing to watch him a runner trying to play as a 9 without 0 passing abilities,0 intelligence,no creativity no team play Benzema is 100000000 times the footballer this fraud is
Who compared him to Benzema? This is the only game Mbappe hasnt contributed in either goals or assists. This isnt on him only. France as a team flopped quite bad. The same problem RM has is the problem we saw with France. Olise was terrible who is tasked with getting the ball to Mbappe. You need a proper CM next to Tchouameni.
Since 2018.....no Champions league,no La Liga,no World cup,no Euro NOTHING he hasnt won anything as the main men ,the most overated player in the past decade
This was Mbappe against Switzerland at Euro 2020. Now compare it with his performance against Spain last night. Do you see any improvement in his overall play? I don't. He has always been a very limited player on the ball. Enjoy the G/A all you want but don't push him into… https://t.co/6RkfHgPslR— .🥷 (@neyholic) July 15, 2026 Hes a great player, but the expectations were that he'd be historically great. Hes not at the level of the greatest players the sport has seen.
The good news is the club can sell him tomorrow, buy the reinforcements that are actually needed, fix the ginormous mistake it made in 2024 and go back to winning titles. GET IT DONE FLORENTINO!
🚨💣 KYLIAN MBAPPÉ IN 2025/26: 🏆 WORLD CUP TOP SCORER🏆 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TOP SCORER🏆 LA LIGA TOP SCORERUNREAL 🤯 pic.twitter.com/h6lkmc8OM8— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) July 19, 2026
He's scored the most goals in World Cup history. He doesn't need to do anything but smile for the cameras and make damn sure they get that shot of him kissing a baby. Any baby and every baby, just in case that baby becomes the next Lamine Yamal. We're done missing out around here. At Mbappe FC, aka Real Mbappe CF, making Mbappe great again is all that matters.
Congratulations, he scored the most goal in la liga too, what trophies is he winning? As I said, he'll get individual awards but he's not winning anything that matters playing like this.
It’s a team sport. Mbappe’s job is to score goals and he does that brilliantly, the rest of the team needs to step & do their part too. I can’t believe we are complaining about having arguably the best player in the world on our team.
This is where I am at as well. But, like I have said in another thread, as long as some of these players don't accept the natural hierarchy, we will keep missing out. In that respect, I am (in hindsight) very happy we brought back Mourinho. He may be able to get them on board, at least, on the short term.