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Kylian Mbappe has been labelled “average”, with the Real Madrid star told that his “limitations are more obvious next to Vinicius Junior”.
Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid amid much fanfare after leaving Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, failed to find the back of the net in his first three La Liga appearances. It wasn’t until his fourth match, against Real Betis, that he broke his goal drought, scoring twice to help his team secure the three points. However, these goals have done little to silence the growing criticism surrounding his overall play.
WHAT DUGARRY SAID
Among his critics is Christophe Dugarry, a former France international and World Cup winner, who believes there are several aspects of his game where Mbappe needs to improve.
In an interview with RMC Sport, Dugarry said: “It remains a successful start to the season. He scored in the first match, he has just scored a double. If you stick strictly to the statistics, it is successful. Mbappe, despite significant statistics and goals, has been average and insufficient in the game for a very long time.
“For several months, whether in the French team, with Paris Saint-Germain or currently in Madrid. He needs to improve in his role as an attacker, in duels, in the physical challenge when you play in this position, in his heading game and his technical quality. He makes less and less of a difference and needs to question himself. He will have to improve in the game.”
Mbappe was indeed underwhelming at Euro 2024, as he scored just one goal – a penalty in the group stage against Poland. Dugarry also claimed that the flaws in Mbappe’s game are becoming clearer now that he is working alongside Vinicius Junior, who is the favourite to land this year’s Ballon d’Or.
“We also see Mbappe’s technical limitations,” he said. “We know that he is not in the top 10 most technical players. And today, his limitations are obvious with a player like Vinicius next to him.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Former PSG midfielder Jerome Rothen, who often defended Mbappe during his time at Paris Saint-Germain, has concurred with Dugarry. He noted that Mbappe has been second best to Vinicius on the left flank and needs to be more decisive in the future.
“When you compare the physical level of Vinicius and Mbappe, it’s obvious,” Rothen observed. “In similar situations, especially when Mbappe finds himself on the left wing, Vinicius manages to create opportunities and make an impact in ways that Mbappe does not. Kylian struggles to eliminate defenders in these situations.”
WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?
Mbappe has joined the France national team ahead of the two Nations League fixtures against Italy and Belgium on September 6 and 9, respectively. He will return to Madrid after his international commitments and will be in action with Los Blancos against Real Sociedad on September 14.
