Since Kroos' retirement and Luka Modric's departure, Real Madrid has become more youth-oriented. Vinicius Junior and Rudiger's off-form has been a major problem for Madrid in big matches.But if Mbappe adjusts well to the Madrid team, Vinicius returns to form and, especially, with the coaching of Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid could soon be a formidable opponent against Barcelona.
I doubt Vinicius will ever return to his best form. I don't understand what is wrong with him, but he just doesn't perform as well as he used to. Mbappe is the person leading the Madrid attack. Without a player of his quality, I don't know where Madrid would be right now. Even a team as low as Almaty, Vini couldn't perform.
As for Madrid's midfield, I have been saying it since they need a defensive midfielder and a central midfielder who can act as a controller for the midfield. I have said it since that Madrid will dominate and win smaller teams, but when they meet a good team with technical and strong players, the midfield will struggle because they cannot win the midfield battle, as it showed against Atletico and PSG. A midfield of Belligham, Valverde and Tchouaméni isn't technical enough to control a game. They will excel against teams that are not that good because they have the quality, but against a good midfield, it will be a problem.