Kylian Mbappe sent stern warning by Thierry Henry

Cameron Smith

25 Oct 2024 10:30 BST
3 min read

Kylian Mbappe has received a stern warning from Arsenal legend Thierry Henry following his underwhelming start to life at Real Madrid.

Article continues under the video

The France superstar finally completed a move to the Santiago Bernabeu on a free transfer in July, but he has struggled to replicate the form he consistently displayed during his time at Paris Saint-Germain.

The presence of Ballon d’Or favourite Vinicius Junior has forced Carlo Ancelotti to deploy Mbappe in a number nine position, despite the fact the Frenchman has previously stated this role doesn’t suit him.

However, Henry believes Mbappe must improve quickly if he wants to succeed at Real Madrid.

The former Arsenal and Barcelona forward told CBS: “Is he [Mbappe] playing the best that we have seen him playing from his days at PSG? No.

“He still has to learn. He needs to play better as a No.9, which is very difficult for him at the minute. He is scoring goals, but that isn’t enough at times at club’s like that (Real Madrid).

“I will play the devil’s advocate: we always say it takes time for a player to adapt to a new club, but unfortunately, when you wear that jersey, they don’t give you a lot of time.”

© IMAGO - Kylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid in July

Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid

Mbappe has scored eight times in 13 appearances across all competitions for Real Madrid, but three of his goals have come from the penalty spot and he has been largely overshadowed by Vinicius Jr.

Furthermore, his arrival has forced Jude Bellingham to play in a deeper role and the England international is still yet to score his first Los Blancos goal of the campaign as a result.

However, Ancelotti has insisted that he is happy with Bellingham’s contribution so far this season. “We're satisfied with his work, I'm very satisfied,” the Real Madrid boss told the media.

“He works a lot, he's always present, he competes, he fights, he sacrifices himself.”