Kylian Mbappe has been identified as the biggest problem in Real Madrid's current struggles by manager Carlo Ancelotti, according to reports.
The Frenchman was hailed as Madrid's blockbuster summer signing after refusing to extend his stay at PSG and signing as a free agent with the reigning Champions League holders.
However, life in Spain's capital has been far from plain sailing for the superstar striker who's arrival has coincided with Madrid struggling to mount convincing defences of both their LaLiga and European triumphs.
Barcelona recently thrashed Madrid 4-0 in El Clasico to establish a nine-point lead over their rival with Mbappe frustrating Los Blancos fans with his finishing and tendency to stray offside during the match.
His preference to be deployed as a central striker has also forced Jude Bellingham into a deeper lying midfield role with the Englishman yet to score this season after a previous breakthrough campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ancelotti has previously stressed he wants to see more from Mbappe, but is now blaming the 25-year-old for his inability to help the team when out of possession, as reported by Relevo.
It is claimed Mbappe has been identified as the team's biggest problem with his lack of effort in running showing the World Cup winner only ran 8km during Madrid's embarrassing El Clasico defeat.
The star's refusal to help his team-mates regain possession has caused an imbalance in Madrid's set-up that is making them more open and susceptible to counter-attacks.
Mbappe's current goal return of just eight goals in 14 matches across all competitions hasn't been enough to convince club chiefs they have made the right decision in bringing the forward to Madrid.
Meanwhile, PSG are excelling without Mbappe, currently topping the Ligue 1 table and producing more collective team performances in the Frenchman's absence who left amid sour circumstances.
Arsenal and Les Blues legend Thierry Henry recently praised the French giants for improving without Mbappe who was previously the central figure in the team.
'They are a bit more stable, less counters. But they still lost Mbappe,' Henry told CBS Sports.
putimopruy
138
We said it before now that Madrid and Mbappe marriage is like strange bird fellows it would not work and would not last because Madrid actually don't need Mbappe although Mbappe need Madrid to win ucl and Balloondor. You guys always keep deceiving yourselves and lying to yourselves. Both Mbappe and Cristiano are same, they are not good team player, they only play for themselves. Psg is doing very well now without Mbappe because they play as a team. Last season without Mbappe Madrid comfortably won laliga and Ucl but now with Mbappe Madrid is struggling, got beaten by barca LA mesia academy young players. We told you guys before that can Madrid meet Mbappe's terms and conditions, For Mbappe to be happy and not leave, psg removed their captain and put Mbappe as their captain, psg made Messi to play for Mbappe to score goals. Mbappe was made pk taker. Mbappe was given hand in team selection and buying of players, non of this is been done by Madrid and you expect Mbappe to function? Psg already spoiled Mbappe and it is what it is.
Chinglensalam
86
Mbappe and Ronaldo are two sides of same coin
hooaclnopt
73
Am Barcelona fan, but on Mbappe it's just a matter of time.There is too much pressure to prove himself. He will surely excel
puybikops
8
We said it before now that Madrid and Mbappe marriage is like strange bird fellows it would not work and would not last because Madrid actually don't need Mbappe although Mbappe need Madrid to win ucl and Balloondor. You guys always keep deceiving yourselves and lying to yourselves. Both Mbappe and Cristiano are same, they are not good team player, they only play for themselves. Psg is doing very well now without Mbappe because they play as a team. Last season without Mbappe Madrid comfortably won laliga and Ucl but now with Mbappe Madrid is struggling, got beaten by barca LA mesia academy young players. We told you guys before that can Madrid meet Mbappe's terms and conditions, For Mbappe to be happy and not leave, psg removed their captain and put Mbappe as their captain, psg made Messi to play for Mbappe to score goals. Mbappe was made pk taker. Mbappe was given hand in team selection and buying of players, non of this is been done by Madrid and you expect Mbappe to function? Psg already spoiled Mbappe and it is what it is.
putting mbappe and cristiano in the same bracket it shows that your football knowledge is poor don't stoop so low. cristiano with real madrid was a sucess