Lightning bolts in defence, but a one-man thunderstorm up front; are Real Madrid risking it all on the brilliance of Kylian Mbappe?

There is a wave of new optimism sweeping through the Spanish capital. Since Xabi Alonso took charge as Real Madrid’s manager, the club has rediscovered some of its old swagger. His methods, demanding on the defensive end but progressive going forward, are already visible in Madrid’s early-season outings, and the mood at the Bernabeu has been buoyant, with Kylian Mbappe leading the charge.

During the FIFA Club World Cup, fans and analysts alike saw the first glimpses of the tactical DNA that Alonso wants to imprint on Los Blancos. While pre-season optimism is common, the way Real Madrid picked apart its rivals in the United States was eye-catching. While things did not end in the best possible way, as they could not clinch the trophy, there were quite a few positive signs for Real Madrid fans.

Defence Steps Up, Kylian Mbappe Explodes

Fast forward to the start of the La Liga campaign, and Xabi Alonso’s side appears to have picked up where it left off. Two wins from two, both marked by defensive stability and tactical cohesion.

New defensive signings have hit the ground running, offering a shield that brings much-needed calm to Real Madrid’s backline. The mistakes and gaps that plagued last season already look fewer and farther between.

Yet, behind this renewed discipline lies another story, one that is as exciting as it is potentially worrisome. At the heart of Real Madrid’s attacking play is Kylian Mbappe, who has started the season like a man on a mission. Just as he did to close out last year, the French superstar is filling the goal column at a sensational rate.

The Frenchman has already notched three goals in the first two La Liga games this season, and going back to last season, Mbappe has scored 12 out of Real Madrid’s last 15 league goals, a jaw-dropping ratio that underscores his individual brilliance.

Kylian Mbappe’s Heroics: Boon or Red Flag for Real Madrid?

On the surface, such a red-hot streak from a marquee signing is exactly what Madridistas hoped for when Mbappe arrived at the club. After all, any manager would love to have a forward so prolific that he’s both the team’s focal point and ultimate finisher.

Kylian Mbappe’s pace, intelligence, and world-class finishing mean that even on subdued nights, he can turn games single-handedly. But as the numbers tick up, the debate grows: is Real Madrid’s electric attack becoming too much of a one-man show?

Analysts across the football world have started to highlight the side-effect of this boom period: Real Madrid, for all their depth and talent, seems perilously reliant on the French skipper for goals.

A squad of Real Madrid’s stature is expected to challenge on multiple fronts, and a season is long and demanding. Over-reliance on one player, especially in attack, is a double-edged sword. Should the Frenchman hit a patch of poor form or face time on the sidelines, Real Madrid must find answers elsewhere, and quickly.

Complicating the narrative is Rodrygo’s expected departure and Vinicius Junior’s patchy form. Rodrygo, always a useful outlet in big games, may leave for new adventures amid his links with Manchester City and other Premier League clubs.

Meanwhile, Vinicius, who once looked set to be Real Madrid’s next attacking talisman, has struggled to replicate his best. Without significant contributions from these two, the Kylian Mbappe-centric attack looms even larger.

Numbers That Tell the Story

Consider this: in Real Madrid’s last 15 league goals, Kylian Mbappe has had a direct hand in 12 of them. That’s not just top scorer numbers, that is talismanic. No other current Real Madrid player comes close to those contributions, and that gap should give both Xabi Alonso and club leadership food for thought.

Even for teams with legendary main men, think Cristiano Ronaldo or Karim Benzema in previous Madrid eras, there was almost always a strong supporting cast chipping in from midfield or the wide areas.

This is not to say others in the squad are not contributing at all. Endrick has shown flashes in brief cameos, and Jude Bellingham, out injured at the start of the campaign, is expected to add goals and creativity when he returns. But Madridistas are right to wonder: is Alonso’s side beginning to lean a little too much on their new number 10?

The Wider Context: What Over-Reliance Means

Over-reliance on one attacking figure is nothing new in football. History is filled with teams carried by a single superstar, but the pitfalls are clear. For one, opposition managers have already started tailoring defences to specifically cope with Kylian Mbappe’s threat, often crowding him and doubling up in wide areas.

While that is a compliment to his ability, it means that if alternative attacking solutions don’t step up, Real Madrid run the risk of becoming too predictable. There is also the risk of physical burnout.

La Liga and European campaigns are demanding, and for Real Madrid to be genuine contenders on all fronts, they will need a multi-pronged attack. Kylian Mbappe cannot, and should not, be tasked with shouldering the entire burden for an entire season, even for a player of his immense talent.

Vinicius Returns and Bellingham on the Horizon

However, there are glimmers of hope. In the last league fixture, Vinicius Junior came off the bench and immediately made an impact, bagging an assist and a goal. It was a reminder of both his talent and what Madrid have been missing.

If Xabi Alonso can get Vinicius back to full confidence and fitness, the Brazilian will offer invaluable firepower and unpredictability on the left flank. Jude Bellingham’s imminent return is another major boost.

Last season, Bellingham’s late runs and knack for finding pockets in the box saw him hit double digits for goals from midfield. With his energy and intelligence, he can ease some of the scoring responsibility that currently rests on Kylian Mbappe’s shoulders.

Endrick and Gonzalo García, though still works in progress, are also expected to develop as the season wears on. Add in goals and assists from talents like Arda Guler and the ever-reliant Federico Valverde, and the recipe for a more balanced and less predictable attack is within reach.

Analytical Outlook: Solutions and Scenarios

For Xabi Alonso, the challenge is clear: keep Kylian Mbappe red hot, but spread the love. Real Madrid’s best teams were notable not just for transcendent individual play, but for the sheer variety of threats they posed.

Supporting contributions from Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Endrick, Gonzalo Garcia, Arda Guler, and Federico Valverde will be crucial not only for alleviating pressure on Mbappe but also for keeping opposition defences guessing.

If others do not step up, there is a real risk that over-reliance could haunt Madrid. Injury, loss of form, or simply being “figured out” by smart defences could see results stutter. For now, fans can rightly celebrate the Mbappe show, but even the greatest solo act needs an ensemble to lift the biggest trophies.

In summary, it is impossible to ignore the feeling that Real Madrid is teetering into Mbappe dependency. By the numbers and every eye test, he’s the early hero of Xabi Alonso’s new era, but sustaining a title chase and a European campaign requires more than one man’s magic.

The next phase of the season will reveal whether Real Madrid can turn their dazzling soloist into the front man of football’s greatest band, or if the burden on Mbappe might ultimately prove too heavy to bear.