"He's not Neymar anyway" – Kylian Mbappe's unnamed former coach on how Real Madrid teammate is unable to complement Frenchman

Kylian Mbappe's former coach has suggested that Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham's lack of creative nous is to blame for the Frenchman's underwhelming form this season.

Since leaving Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and joining Los Blancos on a free transfer earlier this July, Kylian Mbappe has come under scrutiny for his below-par displays. He has netted just six open play goals in 18 matches across competitions for Carlo Ancelotti's side so far.

Earlier this Wednesday (November 27), the 25-year-old endured a difficult time out at Anfield during a 2-0 UEFA Champions League loss to Liverpool. He missed a penalty, completed 18 of his 24 passes and three of his six dribbles, and won seven of his 15 total duels in the contest.

Speaking to reputed French outlet L'Equipe, Kylian Mbappe's former coach provided his thoughts on how the AS Monaco youth product can rejuvenate his form. He remarked (h/t French Football weekly):

"[Reviving his form] will not be easy. Firstly, because he plays in a team which does not rotate. Then, because in this same team, the midfielders are not up to standard. He needs partners who prepare his actions, like Neymar or [Marco] Verratti did in Paris, or [Antoine] Griezmann in the French team."

Opining on Real Madrid's current midfield options, the coach added:

"Who, at Real Madrid currently, can do it? [Toni] Kroos was not replaced. [Luka] Modric no longer has the same legs. [Aurelien] Tchouameni and [Eduardo] Camavinga are not passers. Bellingham? I'm not convinced. He's not Neymar anyway."

Offering a possible solution to the forward's woes, he elaborated:

"We must insist on the left side, placing him in as many one-on-one situations as possible so that he regains confidence. We also need a full-back who doubles more so that he is able to rely on his calls, which Ferland Mendy does little."

Real Madrid midfielder defends Kylian Mbappe

After Real Madrid's 2-0 loss at Liverpool, Jude Bellingham came to Kylian Mbappe's defence. He told TNT Sports (h/t The Sporting News):

"He's a wonderful player, but the pressure given how good he is, is huge. The penalty's not the reason why we lost the game. As a collective, we weren't good enough. Kylian can keep his head high. I know for sure he'll produce many more moments that are huge for this club."

So far, Mbappe has contributed nine goals and two assists for his club.

Bellingham, on the other hand, has scored two goals and provided four assists in 15 matches across competitions for Real Madrid in the ongoing campaign.