Kylian Mbappe handed preferred France role as Zinedine Zidane plans return to form

Kylian Mbappe has returned to France duty in a positive frame of mind, with Zinedine Zidane preparing a tactical plan designed to help the captain rediscover his best form.

The France forward has endured a difficult few months. He missed out on the Ballon d’Or, faced criticism after a trip to China and then suffered a knee injury, adding to the pressure surrounding him.

However, according to French publication Foot Mercato, Mbappe arrived back at the Clairefontaine training camp with his confidence restored. He finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting behind Harry Kane, although the gap between the two players was only 28 points.

There had also been considerable debate about his journey to China, but the latest indications suggest the 26-year-old has moved beyond much of the scrutiny that followed those events.

Ibrahima Konate, described as Mbappe’s Real Madrid team-mate, has also sought to reassure supporters about the forward’s state of mind. Konate said Mbappe was enjoying a strong period and had continued to make a decisive impact in recent matches.

“Kylian is in a very good mental state, and we saw that in the last few matches, where he was decisive and very important,” Konate told Le Parisien. “He still has the same enthusiasm for life, and I think you can see that.”

Zidane is also ready to use Mbappe in the position he prefers. During the previous international break, the manager moved away from the idea of deploying him on the left wing and instead opted to establish him as a central striker.

The coach has confirmed that Mbappe will be given the opportunity to play in his favoured position during the current camp. The decision could allow him to build on an already impressive record, with the forward having scored 11 goals in his past nine international appearances.

Mbappe has also been prolific for Real Madrid this season, scoring 17 goals in 16 matches.

The France captain received a warm welcome from supporters at Clairefontaine and appeared relaxed and cheerful during training. His mood represented a marked change from the pressure that had surrounded him in recent weeks.

France are preparing to face Italy and Turkey. The expectation is that Mbappe will use the backing of Zidane and the confidence shown in him tactically to produce a strong performance and demonstrate that he is returning to his familiar level.