'Unfit and disillusioned' Mbappe risks France wrath after Italy no-show

Tom Weber

• Updated: 7 Sept 2024 10:08 BST
• 4 min read

Kylian Mbappe properly arrived at Real Madrid last weekend, but his France performances are cause for concern.

The Frenchman finally completed his long-awaited Real Madrid switch earlier this summer and got off to the best possible start by scoring in the UEFA Super Cup triumph over Atalanta.

After a long summer, in which he struggled at Euro 2024, suffered a broken nose and saw his dream of playing at the Olympics on home soil dashed, Mbappe looked ready for the new season.

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However, the hype quickly dissipated as the 25-year-old struggled to fit into Carlo Ancelotti's system in the opening stages of the new LaLiga campaign.

After failing to set the world alight in Los Blancos' first three domestic games, Mbappe finally came to life against Real Betis last weekend, netting a brace. The international break, therefore, may have come at a very unwelcome time for the megastar.

Mbappe struggles

Mbappe has struggled to come to grips with playing as a nominal striker at Real Madrid and he was utilised in the same role by Didier Deschamps in France's Nations League outing clash with Italy.

France found themselves thoroughly outplayed on Mbappe's return to the Parc des Princes four months after his final game for PSG. Italy ran out 3-1 victors and the star forward is facing an inquest in the French media.

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L'Equipe reports that Mbappe could be benched against Belgium after his 'meagre' attacking contribution against the Italians. The Real Madrid star appeared 'disillusioned' and still not yet back to his peak physical condition, the outlet reports.

Mbappe failed to properly combine with Bradley Barcola, who scored the opening goal in the first minute and who occupied his former PSG teammate's favoured left-wing position.

With Barcola showing himself to be a worthy heir to Mbappe in Paris and now also starring for the national team, the 25-year-old's importance could decrease.

It would be foolish to write Mbappe off, but his return to France was bitter and it will be interesting to see how the national team - and Real Madrid - utilise him going forward. The fact that both have elite options on the left wing makes for an intriguing dynamic.