The debate surrounding Kylian Mbappé’s defensive work rate is a recurring theme in contemporary football, often surfacing whenever Real Madrid or the French National Team faces a tactical setback. Critics frequently point to his reluctance to track back or his perceived “lack of movement” compared to midfield engines. However, France’s head coach, Didier Deschamps, has moved swiftly to dismiss these narratives, labelling his talismanic forward a “true captain” whose value transcends raw physical statistics.
Quality Over Quantity: The Tactical Argument
During a recent press conference, Deschamps grew visibly frustrated when confronted with data suggesting Mbappé covers significantly less ground than his teammates. The World Cup-winning coach argued that modern football’s obsession with “distance covered” often ignores the tactical utility of a specialist sprinter.
“If you expect Kylian to run 11 kilometres every match, you will be disappointed,” Deschamps remarked. “He has never done that, and he never will. That is not his game.”
Deschamps explained that Mbappé’s primary weapon is his explosive velocity. To maintain the ability to change the outcome of a match in a split second, a player of his profile must conserve energy. Expecting a high-volume goalscorer to defend like a box-to-box midfielder is, in the coach’s view, a fundamental misunderstanding of player roles.
Comparing Performance Metrics: Explosive vs. Endurance Roles
| Feature | The “Workhorse” Midfielder | Kylian Mbappé (The Finisher) |
| Typical Distance | 10–12 km per match | 7–9 km per match |
| Primary Physicality | Aerobic endurance | Anaerobic explosive speed |
| Defensive Duty | High (Interceptions/Pressing) | Minimal (Tactical positioning) |
| Strategic Focus | Maintaining shape/Support | Exploiting space/Scoring |
| Recovery Strategy | Sustained moderate pace | Recovery between high-intensity bursts |
Dismantling the “Arrogant” Image
Beyond his physical output, Mbappé’s personality frequently comes under fire, with detractors labelling him as selfish or aloof. Deschamps was quick to counter this perception, highlighting the striker’s rapport with the squad’s younger contingent.
“You may choose to like or dislike Kylian, but within this camp, he is deeply respected,” the coach asserted. While acknowledging that a world-class striker must possess a degree of “healthy selfishness” in front of goal, Deschamps insisted that Mbappé remains a selfless leader behind the scenes. According to the manager, the image of a self-centred egoist is a media construct that does not align with the reality of the French dressing room.
As France prepares for the upcoming international cycle in 2026, Deschamps’ message is clear: he will continue to afford Mbappé the tactical freedom required to be lethal, regardless of what the “kilometers covered” column suggests.