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Real Madrid ignored reports they had received showing Kylian Mbappe’s physical output was dropping prior to the Frenchman joining the club in the summer, according to reports.
Mbappe became one of the world’s best goalscorers at PSG and ran down his contract before leaving on a free at the end of last season to secure a dream move to Madrid.
However, that dream is quickly turning into a nightmare with the superstar so far failing to replicate his world class form and in-turn frustrating Madrid supporters and team-mates.
Another disappointing showing earlier in the week saw Mbappe miss a penalty and be easily marshalled by defenders as Liverpool dominated the Champions League encounter to record a 2-0 win.
Mbappe’s output has been scrutinised as the club look for a reason as to why he is struggling to settle in a team packed with serial title winners and the stats show the 25-year-old is running less than any of his team-mates.
Across Madrid’s opening five Champions League matches, the Les Blues captain has ran just 39km, averaging out at under 9km every game, while the likes of Jude Bellingham consistently run over 10km each 90 minutes.
Real Madrid reportedly ignored reports they had received showing Kylian Mbappe’s physical output was dropping prior to him joining the club
Mbappe is so far failing to replicate his world class form and in-turn frustrating Madrid supporters
Jude Bellingham (left) is outperforming Mbappe’s running metrics in the Champions League this season
But, Madrid were warned that Mbappe’s physical performance metrics had been decreasing ever since he won the World Cup with France in 2018 as pre-signing reports highlighted key issues, as reported by Relevo.
The reigning Champions League holders were given detailed metrics on Mbappe’s average distance travelled, high-intensity efforts and sustained sprint speed amongst others, but opted to still sign the forward.
Mbappe’s global status and the opportunity to sign him as a free agent convinced Madrid that their investment was worth it and now they are rapidly attempting to help him find form on the pitch.
Madrid were warned that Mbappe’s physical performance metrics had been decreasing ever since he won the World Cup
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has deployed Mbappe both as a striker and on his favoured left-wing in the absence of Vinicius Jnr who is amongst the club’s many current injured players.
The Italian is trying to navigate his squad through one of their most difficult periods in recent times and is attempting to rely on Mbappe to provide the goals that Madrid believed they were getting.
However, despite his slow start to life in Spain, Madrid legend Gareth Bale believes Mbappe will eventually come good at the club and go on to win major honours at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Speaking after Madrid’s latest defeat at Anfield, Bale told TNT Sports: ‘He [Mbappe] is the best in the world and it is a matter of time before he proves it.’
