In Wednesday’s match between Borussia Dortmund and Paris St-Germain, the blame fell heavily on Kylian Mbappe for his lackluster performance. Many expected more from the talented 25-year-old, especially considering his status as the most expensive player in football. However, it is unfair to place the entire responsibility on Mbappe for PSG’s exit from the competition.
Individual players, no matter how gifted, cannot be expected to single-handedly rescue their team in every match. PSG lacked the necessary cohesion and tactical understanding to overcome a well-organized Dortmund defense. The blame should not solely rest on Mbappe’s shoulders.
One factor that contributed to PSG’s downfall was Luis Enrique’s indecisiveness and questionable tactics. The team played with different attacking line-ups in each knockout stage match, hindering the development of chemistry and understanding among the players. The midfielders failed to take risks and provide support to the attack, resulting in a lack of connection between the players on the flanks. Enrique’s strategies in European matches this season were also questionable, and his decision to bench Mbappe in the lead-up to this game may have impacted the player’s form.
Furthermore, PSG’s squad construction has been inadequate. While they have invested heavily in their frontline, their midfield lacks the creativity and experience necessary to compete at the highest level. Champions League-winning teams rely on balanced midfields, and PSG has failed to address this area of their team adequately. They lack players like Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Pedri, or Kevin de Bruyne who provide tactical intelligence and creativity in midfield.
It is important to remember that even the greatest players have had their share of disappointments. Lionel Messi was part of the Barcelona side that suffered an 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich and a humiliating 3-0 loss to Roma. Ronaldo’s Real Madrid also faced difficulties against Lyon in the Champions League. Mbappe has already achieved a great deal in his young career, helping France win the World Cup in 2018 and consistently performing at a high level despite the instability of PSG.
Mbappe’s statistics speak for themselves. He has managed 21 goals and 11 assists in the 31 home games he started in the Champions League, and he has created the most chances under pressure of any player in the competition this season. He has proven himself on the biggest stages and shown the consistency of the greats.
While criticism is inevitable when expectations are not met, it is important to provide context and proper analysis of the match. Mbappe is currently the best player in world football, and his long-term consistency and success will determine his place in history. When he plays for a club with more stability and a better project, we can expect to see him raise the Champions League trophy.