Kylian Mbappé Criticized for Poor Decision-Making in Loss to AC Milan

Kylian Mbappé’s early days at Real Madrid have been far from smooth. Despite strong statistics—eight goals and two assists in 14 games across all competitions—he’s yet to fully adjust to the team’s playing style.

His first El Clásico, on October 26, was a tough experience, with Real Madrid suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu. The struggles continued on Tuesday when they were beaten 3-1 at home by AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League.

This marked a second consecutive home loss, with a combined scoreline of 7-1. Throughout both games, PSG’s all-time top scorer failed to make a significant impact.

Kylian Mbappé slammed by ESPN pundit for on-field decisions

Following the loss, ESPN FC pundit Alejandro Moreno criticized the Frenchman for how he’s functioning out on the pitch.

“You look at Kylian Mbappé and his movement as a striker,” Moreno said on Tuesday’s edition of ESPN FC. “The basic movements as a striker, he’s either unable to recognize what those movements should be, doesn’t know what those movements should be, or he’s choosing not to move in the way a striker should.

“There are sequences of play. They’re very specific. There was one in which Bellingham gets him behind. Actually, times this run well. It’s one of those late runs from Jude Bellingham, runs him behind. Now he turns the corner. The only option he has is to cross the ball. Kylian Mbappé is hanging out, top of the 18-yard box penalty spot, instead of attacking the six-yard box.

“You think, ‘Well, that’s maybe one time.’ No, it isn’t. Bellingham breaks through in the second half. He’s now running basically toward the top of the 18-yard box, looking for movement from Kylian Mbappé. And what does Mbappé do? He drops off into a playmaking position. Now Bellingham doesn’t have anybody to play the ball into and eventually loses the ball.”

Every PSG fan knows that Mbappé isn’t fond of playing as a No. 9. One pundit argues that the Spanish side must make a choice: either allow him to play on the left wing, where he’s most comfortable, or consider leaving him on the bench, as Vinicius Jr. currently occupies that spot.

“I’ve said it over and over for months and months: Mbappé will never be a No. 9,” RMC Sport’s Daniel Riolo said. “So it’s either on the left or on the bench. And given Vinicius’ level, it has to be on the bench.”