Real Madrid ‘prioritised shirt sales over winning games’ with Kylian Mbappe signing as struggling Frenchman is told he must ‘drop his ego and work harder’

Mbappe’s transfer to Real Madrid was hailed as a masterstroke, but criticism is mounting as the French superstar’s performances have yet to meet sky-high expectations. Since joining Los Blancos on a free transfer after his PSG contract expired, Mbappe has netted eight goals and provided two assists in 16 appearances across all competitions. While this makes him the club's second-highest scorer behind Vinícius Junior, who has scored 12 goals, the Frenchman has faced sharp criticism for his inconsistencies, netting just once in his last seven appearances.

Deeney believes the expectations at Real Madrid may be weighing heavily on Mbappe. Speaking to talkSPORT.com, the former Watford striker said: "It's probably not been anywhere near where we all expected. I thought personally when they got him that 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 them [Real] to be more or less unstoppable. What I think has happened is, and I don't know this to be factual, but just looking at it, my opinion is his ego has gone before his actual work ethic.

"Being at PSG he had the freedom to do whatever he wanted, and also the expectation wasn't as great, they were always going to win the league. So going to Real Madrid, there's Barcelona, there's Atletico [Madrid], there's the expectation you win the league and the Champions League. And I think at the moment that's just weighing a little heavy on him."

Deeney also suggested that Real Madrid’s decision to play Mbappe as a central striker is not maximising his potential. "I don't think he's a natural striker, I know that sounds mental," he said.

"He can't [play on the left wing] because Vini Jr is there, so in that situation, it's a massive mistake from Real Madrid. They've gone for a name that sells shirts and the brand as opposed to what makes them win. So maybe he's going to have to have a little conversation about playing on the right."

Deeney was particularly critical of Mbappe’s lack of discipline and work rate during games, citing his performance against Barcelona as an example.

"If it's his dream, he needs to start playing down the middle and actually learning to stay onside," he said.

"When I watched him against Barcelona, Jesus Christ, he was offside about nine times. You're rapid, it really irks me especially when players are quick, probably because I'm f****** slow as s***, these guys that are quick don't bend their run, it's like they're overeager. In that regard, if it's his dream, he needs to drop his ego and work a bit harder."

With criticism mounting, he faces the dual challenge of meeting lofty expectations while silencing doubters who question his commitment and adaptability. Nonetheless, after being left out of the France national team, Mbappe should be more determined than ever to reignite his form as Real Madrid prepare for a domestic clash against Leganes on November 24.