Yet, the demands of adapting to varied positions on the pitch and his growth as a player have led to a profound shift in his core style. While he remains blisteringly quick and technically gifted, observers now see him more as a central striker who focuses sharply on finishing chances.

"I feel very good, but the most important thing is always to help the team. Offensively, defensively, and the rest will follow. If I have the right spirit to support the team, we will win matches," Mbappe said after scoring his first goal of the 2025/26 season.

This came in the league debut for Xabi Alonso's fresh project at Real Madrid, where Mbappe donned the number 10 shirt, a switch that symbolises his embrace of a new challenge aimed at reigniting his dynamic French flair. "I sense he wants more; you can see it in his daily approach. I am not sure if it is the number 10, but it shows," the Basque coach has said.

Mbappe disrupts the structure in intriguing ways. "Mbappe was a player who moved wherever he pleased, creating situations in the game that I could not control. Now, I will control them all, without exception," Luis Enrique had explained during his efforts to mould the Frenchman into a stricter role at Paris Saint-Germain.

That is where Mbappe's challenges began, as he was confined to a false nine position in a system that left him feeling restricted and out of place.

Mbappe rose to global stardom as a fearsome left-winger, thanks to his explosive power, speed, and ability to outmanoeuvre opponents. However, upon joining Real Madrid, he found Vinicius Junior firmly established on that flank. This forced him to pivot towards central areas, though always with complete freedom to roam across the attacking line. It is not identical to his preferred style, but it at least reduces the limitations on a player who thrives most when launching from the left.

One mandatory rule in Alonso's tactical blueprint plays perfectly into Mbappe's strengths. For the Basque manager, constant mobility among all players is essential to bring his vision to life: positions must stay filled, but not necessarily by the same individual. The Frenchman capitalised on this in the opening match of the 2025/26 season against Osasuna, unleashing his full potential and recapturing the unstoppable form that once made him a nightmare for rivals.

Now, Mbappe leads the dribbling charts after that initial league outing, completing eight successful take-ons, a demolition of the previous season's Real Madrid record of seven, set by Vinicius Junior.

He matched Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams for completions, though the Spaniard needed 14 attempts to achieve the same tally, while Barcelona's Lamine Yamal managed six from ten.

In stark contrast, Vinicius Junior registered just one effective dribble in the game. Real Madrid lacked some rhythm and creativity in the first half to dismantle Osasuna's defensive setup, two elements central to Alonso's philosophy that sharpened after the break.

"We did not have much space, and the boss wanted us to control the ball a lot. Play in the opponent's half and switch from side to side so the other team runs and leaves us openings," Mbappe explained.

Recent updates on X highlight Mbappe's evolving impact under Alonso. Spanish football expert Guillem Balagué noted on the platform that the forward "has changed. He is not anymore the shy player that respects hierarchy. He has come this season (wearing the number 10 shirt) with the intention of being the boss. He is sharp, lean."

Fan accounts and analysts alike have praised his sharper movements and defensive work rate, with one observer stating: "Mbappé's movement looks really sharp in changing directions... creating as a last measure rather than overthinking."

Another added that fans will "witness the best version of Mbappe ever under Xabi," predicting soaring goal and assist tallies as he fully adapts.

These insights from trusted voices underscore how Alonso's system is unlocking Mbappe's potential, making Real Madrid a more fluid and threatening force.

Kylian Mbappe penalty secures narrow win for Real Madrid in La Liga opener