Team dynamics: How misaligned roles can lead to dysfunction
"Playing football is very simple, but playing simple football is the hardest thing there is." - Johan Cruyff
Before Mbappé arrived at Real Madrid they had been the most successful team in Europe and central to their dominance was Vinícius Jr. A player wWho has grown into one of the best left-wing players in the world. His performances have been pivotal in securing two Champions League titles in the last three years.
Vinícius thrives in his natural role on the left flank, using his pace, creativity, and finishing ability to dismantle opposition defenses. Madrid's tactical system made him the cornerstone of their offensive strategy. In this context, the arrival of Kylian Mbappé, another player whose preferred position is the left wing.
At PSG Mbappé' was the focal point of the team, given freedom to dominate on and off the pitch. His pace, goal-scoring ability, and star power allowed him to thrive. When Lionel Messi and Neymar joined PSG, they willingly adjusted their styles to accommodate Mbappé as the main man.
However, Mbappé's move to Real Madrid came with a stark reality check. Unlike PSG, Madrid wasn’t built around him. Their success wasn’t dependent on him stepping in as the savior. Instead, he was joining a team with an already established hierarchy, led by Vinícius Jr. This shift demanded an adjustment in role that Mbappé has struggled to navigate.
Mbappé’s integration at Real Madrid has highlighted the consequences of misaligned roles within a team. Real Madrid needed a striker to complement their system, but Mbappé, a natural winger, was placed in that position instead. This not only limited his effectiveness but also disrupted the team’s balance.
Meanwhile, Vinícius continued to flourish on the left wing, consistently creating chances and scoring goals. His performances only magnified the issues with Mbappé’s fit in the squad, as comparisons between the two became unavoidable. The lack of clarity about how Mbappé should be utilized created tension—not necessarily between players, but in the broader structure of the team.
The Importance of Role Clarity
Real Madrid’s struggles to integrate Mbappé reflect a broader truth: teams perform best when everyone has a clear, well-defined role. Vinícius Jr. had already proven himself as the natural left-winger, and Madrid’s system was built around his strengths. For Mbappé to succeed, his role needed to be distinct and complementary, rather than overlapping with an already dominant player.
Role clarity is essential in ensuring that team members:
Understand their contributions to the team’s goals.
Feel confident in their positions without competing for the same responsibilities.
Avoid stepping on each other's toes, which can disrupt workflow and morale.
For creative teams, the same principles apply. When individuals are placed in roles that don't suit their skills or overlap with others, the entire team suffers. Misaligned roles can lead to confusion, frustration, and reduced productivity.
Learning from Real Madrid’s Dilemma
Real Madrid’s current situation is a cautionary tale for any team. Their success prior to Mbappé’s arrival demonstrates the importance of a cohesive system where every player’s role is well-defined. By introducing a high-profile player without fully considering how his skills would integrate into the team, they risked disrupting their established winning team.
Creative teams can learn from this example:
Plan for Integration: Before adding new talent, consider how they will fit into the existing team structure.
Define Roles Early: Ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities and how they contribute to the bigger picture.
Avoid Redundancy: Don’t place multiple people in overlapping roles unless their skill sets complement each other.
Conclusion
Misaligned roles are more than just a tactical error—they can unravel the cohesion of even the most successful teams. In Real Madrid’s case, the overlap between Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. created unnecessary friction and raised questions about the team's decision-making. For any team, whether in sports or a creative environment, the lesson is clear: role clarity isn’t optional; it’s foundational.