Watford hero Troy Deeney has identified the faults of Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappe as the French World Cup winner continues to struggle at the Santiago Bernabeu, Soccernet.football reports.
Kylian Mbappé’s high-profile move to Real Madrid was hailed as a dream transfer, a union that promised to elevate the Spanish giants to new heights.
However, just months into his debut season, the former PSG forward has struggled to meet sky-high expectations, raising questions about his role and fit within Carlo Ancelotti’s system.
Former Watford striker Troy Deeney has offered a candid assessment of Mbappé’s adaptation challenges.
Speaking on TalkSport (via AS), Deeney identified tactical missteps and personal shortcomings as key issues hampering the 24-year-old’s impact at the Santiago Bernabéu.
“I don’t think Mbappé is a natural centre forward. He can’t play on the left because Vinícius is there. Finding themselves in this situation is a huge mistake for Real Madrid,” Deeney remarked.
Deeney argued that Real Madrid prioritised Mbappé’s star power over tactical needs, suggesting that a shift to the right-wing could address some of the misalignment.
“They have opted for a name that sells shirts and promotes the brand instead of what makes them win. Maybe they have to have a little conversation about playing on the right,” he added.
Beyond tactics, Deeney questioned Mbappé’s work ethic and mentality, drawing comparisons to Erling Haaland’s transformative impact at Manchester City.
“He hasn’t been anywhere near the level we all expected. I thought he was the missing piece for Real Madrid, like Haaland was for City. What I think has happened, and this is my opinion, is that his ego is ahead of his work ethic,” Deeney said.
The former Premier League forward also pointed to the contrasting pressures between PSG and Real Madrid.
While dominating Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain came with relative ease, the demands at Real Madrid include fierce domestic competition and the relentless pursuit of Champions League glory.
“At Real Madrid, you have Barcelona and Atlético in front of you, and the expectations are that you win the league and the Champions League. That is weighing on him,” Deeney observed.
Highlighting Mbappé’s struggles in key matches, Deeney expressed frustration at the forward’s positioning during El Clásico, where he was caught offside repeatedly.
“If this is his dream, he needs to start playing in the middle and avoid offside. When I saw him play against Barcelona, my god! He was offside nine times. You’re quick. It pisses me off when fast guys are too anxious with their runs,” Deeney said, admitting his irritation as a slower player himself.
Deeney’s verdict is clear: for Mbappé to thrive at Real Madrid, he must recalibrate his approach, put aside any ego, and embrace the challenges of a system that demands tactical discipline and relentless effort.