Kylian Mbappe has flattered to deceive at Real Madrid so far and his ego could derail his career in Spain.
That is the view of Watford’s cult hero Troy Deeneywho believes the 25-year-old cannot live up to the huge expectations at the Bernabeu.
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Mbappe has struggled with his form since joining Real, despite scoring eight goalsCredit: AFP
The talkSPORT expert has suggested as much Los Blancos He may regret signing the Frenchman for free after the striker’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired.
In 16 games for the LaLiga giants, Mbappe has scored eight goals and provided two assists in sixteen appearances in all competitions.
While he is the club’s second top scorer this season Vinicius Jr (12 goals), Mbappé has come under fire from fans and pundits for his inconsistency.
Three of his goals for Madrid came from the penalty spot, with many blaming Mbappe for the club’s mixed start to the season.
Despite Real beating Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup – which featured Mbappe open his account on his debut they are six points behind LaLiga leaders Barcelona.
And Carlo Ancelotti‘s men are languishing in 18th place out of 36 teams in the revamped Champions League table, having lost two of their four matches.
And according to Deeney, Mbappe must deal with the pressure of playing for Real if he wants to succeed.
Commenting on Mbappe’s current form, he told talkSPORT.com: “It’s probably not been close to what we all expected.
“When they got him, I personally thought he was the missing piece, a bit like when (Manchester) City got (Erling) Haaland.
“You expect him to score a lot of goals and for Real to be more or less unstoppable.
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Fans thought Mbappe was destined for greatness after he scored on his debut in the UEFA Super CupCredit: Getty 
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However, he is yet to reach the heights expected of him at the BernabeuCredit: Getty
“What I think happened is, and I don’t know if this is factual, but just looking at it, my opinion is that his ego came before his actual work ethic.
“At PSG he had the freedom to do what he wanted, and the expectation was not that great: they would always win the league.
“So when you go to Real Madrid you have Barcelona, you have Atletico (Madrid) and you expect to win the league and the Champions League.
“And I think that’s just kind of weighing heavily on him right now.”
Deeney then suggested that despite being signed to take charge of Los Blancos, playing a central role up top is not getting the best out of him.
The ex-Birmingham striker’s views come amid claims that Mbappe prefers to be deployed on the left wing, which is currently occupied by Vini Jr.
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Mbappé has scored almost double less than he did for PSG at this stage last season
He commented: “I don’t think he’s a natural striker, I know that sounds mental.
“He can’t play on the left wing because Vini Jr is there, so in this situation it’s a big mistake from Real Madrid.
“They have chosen a name that sells shirts and the brand, instead of what makes them win.
“So maybe he should have a conversation about playing on the right.”
Mbappe rejected the chance to extend his stay at Parc des Princes, such was his desire to join Madrid as it was his dream move.
And Deeney has stated that if that is the case, he will have to work harder to win over the fans and get back to his best.
Thierry Henry brilliantly describes a major problem Real Madrid recently faced with Kylian Mbappe
He said: “If it is his dream he has to play through the middle and actually learn to stay onside.
“When I saw him against Barcelona, Jesus Christ, he was offside like nine times.
“You’re fast, it really annoys me, especially when players are fast, probably because I’m slow as fuck. These guys who are fast don’t flex their run, it’s like they’re too eager.
“In that respect, if it is his dream, he has to drop his ego and work a little harder.”
Mbappe will soon showcase his talents in England after the international break when Real take on Liverpool at Anfield in the European Cup – where all eyes will be on him.