“Anxiety is the great enemy of the footballer” - Ex-Real Madrid forward Jorge Valdano explains reason behind Kylian Mbappe’s struggles in Spain

Former Real Madrid forward Jorge Valdano has stated Kylian Mbappe needs to process his anxiety to get better on the pitch. He believes that the Frenchman would do better at Santiago Bernabeu if he adapts well in Spain.

Speaking to Suddeutsche Zeitung (via Madrid Universal), Valdano claimed that Mbappe is yet to adapt to his surroundings as he is playing outside his home country. He believes that the striker would do well at Real Madrid as soon as he has coped with his anxiety. He said:

“It’s a question of adaptation. Mbappe left his country, France, for the first time and that took him sociologically out of his comfort zone. This may have led to a process of anxiety, and anxiety is the great enemy of the footballer."

Kylian Mbappe has scored 10 goals in 16 LaLiga matches while also assisting twice. He has been under pressure as he has not lived up to the expectations at Santiago Bernabeu.

When pundit blamed Kylian Mbappe for Real Madrid's poor start to the season

French football pundit Jerome Rothen was quick to attack Kylian Mbappe earlier this season and claimed that Real Madrid were suffering because of the striker. He believes that the Frenchman has not made the team better and has made things hard for the teammates on the pitch instead. He said (via RMC Sport) last November:

"Mbappé was the star of the summer. Real Madrid won everything last season with a solid team and players who proved their worth on the field. However, I feel that all of that has been lost. Kylian has become the focal point of this situation, and his presence is causing frustration for some. Other players have taken on different roles or even lost prominence. It's clear that an adjustment period is needed when changing teams, but when you're among the best players in the world, this should happen quickly."

"We're already in November, and currently, it seems like he's regressing, which is his responsibility. I notice his movements as a center-forward have worsened, and I see him making decisions that go against Madrid's style of play. This has become a burden. Unfortunately, Mbappé is the main one responsible for Madrid's weak start."

Kylian Mbappe was caught offside eight times in the El Clasico against Barcelona, as Real Madrid lost 4-0. Los Blancos are second in the league table - one point behind leaders Atletico Madrid and two points ahead of the Catalan side, who have played a game more than the Madrid sides.