Vinicius Junior remains the undisputed starter on the left wing. This will remain the case over the weeks and months, even if for this Sunday’s match against Leganes, Mbappé could finally play in his natural position.
According to Relevo, Ancelotti is considering leaving Vinicius Junior out of his starting XI for the Madrid derby – with the 23-year-old having played 90 minutes in Brazil’s two 2026 World Cup qualifiers, so it would be a good move idea for him to rest before Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Liverpool.
During the international break, Mbappé was tested as a left winger by Ancelotti. If he does indeed play in this position against Leganes, it will remain to be seen who will start as a central striker for Real Madrid. Of the available players, Jude Bellingham would be the most likely, as he can play the false nine role he did so well last season.
