Real Madrid talisman has missed most big chances in Europe’s top five leagues

With Vinicius Jr. clearly off colour, most of the goalscoring responsibility at Real Madrid has fallen on the shoulders of Kylian Mbappe once more, and the Frenchman has not been too bad at managing that load.

Since he arrived at the club, Mbappe has always made it clear that scoring goals for Real Madrid is his responsibility, and he backed that up with numbers last season as he walked away with the Pichichi and was also the top scorer in the UEFA Champions League.

This season, he has started off decently well but is quite some distance away from his levels last season. After all, he has not been clinical in front of goal and could have had several more to his name.

The numbers speak

Real Madrid talisman has missed most

So far this season, Mbappe has scored seven goals in eight league games and also has two goals in as many UEFA Champions League appearances for Real Madrid.

However, the Frenchman has missed a staggering 12 big chances for the club already, and given that he has played only ten games so far, that number is appalling.

In fact, no player in Europe’s top five leagues has missed more big chances than Mbappe. In La Liga, his seven goals have come from an xG of 8.85, showing clearly that he has been anything but clinical.

Mbappe needs to step up

Vinicius’ disastrous season has taken the spotlight away from Mbappe’s struggles, which arwell concealedll by the distraction currently.

Real Madrid need Mbappe to step up. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)

However, it does not need any special vision to see that the numbers highlight a struggle from the Frenchman’s side as well.

Five of Real Madrid’s ten games so far have been wins by a one-goal margin, and two of the remaining five have been defeats. Only three wins, in that sense, have been convincing on the scoreboard.

In that sense, it is clear that Real Madrid are missing Mbappe’s clinical finishing boots and that there is an urgent need to step up.

The games to come, after all, are ruthless fixtures and will not present the team with numerous chances to score. With no other players stepping up regularly, the onus will be on Mbappe.