Barcelona legend criticizes Real Madrid stalwart – ‘Team is frustrated with him’ | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappe may have started a new chapter at Real Madrid, but his every move remains under scrutiny, especially back in his home country.

The French media and football experts continue to closely monitor his performance, with a growing concern over his physical condition. This concern is not only for Mbappe’s personal well-being but also for the future of the French national team.

Recently, his performance has been a topic of debate, particularly after Real Madrid’s disappointing Champions League loss to Milan. Mbappe has been criticised, with many specialists in France pointing out that he is not living up to expectations.

Thierry Henry’s analysis

Kylian Mbappe struggled to make an impact against AC Milan. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Quite particularly, Thierry Henry has been vocal in his analysis. Henry expressed his belief that there is growing frustration within the team regarding Mbappe’s role at Madrid.

“I think the team is frustrated with him, which I can understand,” said the legendary French forward.

He acknowledged that while it is essential to give Mbappe time to adjust to his new surroundings, he must also learn to play a more defined role, especially as a number 9.

“We have to give him time but at the same time he must learn to play as a No. 9, have the desire and will to project himself.”

Henry pointed out that Jude Bellingham, often seen as the one making runs and trying to lead the attack, seems to be doing much of what Mbappe is expected to do.

“Bellingham is trying to do what his No. 9, Mbappé, is supposed to do. It is almost always Bellingham who tries to make the runs, to make the team play,” he added.

Mbappe lacks initiative

Thierry Henry has criticised Mbappe. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Henry further criticised Mbappe’s lack of initiative, emphasising that as a forward, Mbappe should be more proactive, particularly in situations where the team needs him to make runs behind the defence.

“Who is running and trying to get to the goal? It’s Bellingham, not your number 9. There is frustration. Look at the number 9! Once again, your number 9 is not there. I know it can happen sometimes, but it can’t be all the time.”

“That’s what I’m trying to say. I know he’s not a number 9 and that’s not what he likes to do, but do you think Bellingham likes to make these runs? To stretch the team? He does it because the desire and the will speak for themselves.”

Hope is not lost

Kylian Mbappe is yet to hit the ground running. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Despite his criticism, Henry remains hopeful about Mbappe’s future at the club. He believes that the French star can improve and adapt to the team’s needs.

“Mbappe will improve because he cannot be worse than that.”

However, Henry stressed that Mbappe needs to show more urgency and contribute more effectively when the team is pressing forward.

Whether he plays as a winger, a 9, or a 10, Mbappe must be more involved in the attacking phase of the game, just as other players, including defenders like Antonio Rüdiger, showed more initiative during the match.

“We don’t ask him to hold the ball like Didier Drogba, we don’t ask him to take the ball and dribble past everyone but to protect himself when the team is pressing, whether you are a winger, a 9 or a 10, you can run, even Rudiger did it in the first half,” he noted.