Kylian Mbappe penalty misery blamed on 'trying to emulate Neymar' – with Real Madrid superstar told he is 'not skilled' at spot-kicks

The France international forward continues to find the going tough on the back of his much-publicised switch to the Santiago Bernabeu as a free agent. Mbappe has become another ‘Galactico’ in the Spanish capital, but is struggling to live up to expectations.

Questions have been asked of his ability to operate as a central striker, having forged his reputation on the left flank, while fragile confidence has been eroded by two failures from 12 yards in the space of a week. Mbappe fluffed his lines in a Champions League clash with Liverpool and La Liga date with Athletic Club.

There have been calls for Mbappe to be taken off penalty duty, having seen Jude Bellingham successfully convert over recent weeks, with the World Cup winner accused of trying, and failing, to copy the technique of former Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Neymar.

RMC Sport pundit Kevin Diaz has said of Mbappe’s woes: "Looking at the missed penalty - it’s clear that anyone can miss a penalty. However, the issue lies in Mbappe wanting to take penalties despite not being a penalty specialist. He demonstrated this again over the weekend and also in the match against Liverpool. He’s not particularly skilled at taking penalties.

"He pretends to watch the goalkeeper, but when it comes to the actual kick, he doesn’t look at the keeper at all. Perhaps he’s trying to emulate Neymar, especially considering the controversy surrounding penalties during his time at Paris Saint-Germain. This example of the penalty reflects, to some extent, what frustrates people about Kylian Mbappe."

Mbappe has cut a frustrated figure of late, with the 25-year-old said to be missing the talismanic standing that he enjoyed at PSG. He does have 10 goals to his name for Real, but is aware that must deliver greater end product in order to satisfy the most demanding of fan bases.