Vinicius Junior sends Kylian Mbappe a clear message over Real Madrid role

FootballCritic scored his performance 7.7 out of 10. He completed seven dribbles – more than the entire Bayern side combined – and completed a game-high 12 touches in the box, which was a figure twice as big as anyone else. He also registered more shots and more shots on target than any other player.

Where does Mbappe fit in at Real Madrid?

Mbappe, who had disappointed in PSG’s semi-final loss to Borussia Dortmund, should have been watching on with some concern.

The Frenchman, after all, has openly admitted that his preferred role is on the left wing and that he does not like to play through the centre.

Vinicius Jr, meanwhile, just showed Mbappe that he is the top dog when it comes to playing in his favoured role.

Amid all the fanfare from Madrid fans celebrating the upcoming signing of the 25-year-old from the Ligue 1 champions, there should be some concern reserved as to where he is going to fit in at his new home.

Why should Vini, who has eclipsed everyone else at Real Madrid this season, including Jude Bellingham, shift away from his best role to make way for the new boy?

So where does this leave Mbappe? By the looks of it, he will be shoehorned in the centre-forward role, a position in which perhaps only 80% of his talent can be exploited. It’s unlikely to make for a happy relationship, particularly given the Frenchman’s habit of getting things his own way.

For the next year, at least, it will be Ancelotti’s job to manage what promises to be a combustible situation and one that could either elevate Real Madrid further or draw them into an unwelcome soap opera.