"He has to take charge" - Journalist criticizes Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe using Neymar Jr and Lionel Messi example

Spanish commentator and presenter Juanma Castaño has blasted Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe for not being more like Lionel Messi or Neymar Jr. The Frenchman joined the Spanish giants this summer but has had an underwhelming start to life with Los Blancos.

Despite bagging 10 goals and two assists in his first 20 games, Mbappe has failed to stamp his authority on games. Castaño blasted Mbappe for failing to lead the team in Vinicius Jr's absence, who has been sidelined with an injury.

He said (via bolavip.com):

“I remember that once Messi was injured and we all signed up at Barça: it is time for Neymar. It seems to me that it was like Neymar had to take the reins of Barça a little at the time. And he did it. And now that Vinicius was gone, people said it was time for Mbappé.”

The journalist added:

“Madrid is not to help Mbappé either; Mbappé is a player to help Madrid. He has to take charge of Madrid. At the time of Real Madrid's crisis, there is no saving Mbappé who is pulling Real Madrid”.

Kylian Mbappe played alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr at Paris Saint-Germain. The Frenchman will be hoping to help Los Blancos retain their LaLiga and UEFA Champions League titles this season.

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“They are good guys, normal" - What Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe said about playing alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr at Paris Saint-Germain

In December 2021, Kylian Mbappe talked about his experience of playing alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr at PSG. Mbappe and Neymar had been together in the French capital since 2017 and were joined by the Argentine legend in the summer of 2021. Messi joined PSG following the expiration of his contract with Barcelona.

During the Globe Soccer Awards, Mbappe talked about his first impression of playing alongside Messi. He said (via One Football):

“They are good guys, normal. They want to work to earn, as we all. They are great teammates; the first training session with Messi went well. He surprised me because he does everything so naturally; he can do whatever he wants on the pitch. It’s great for me to have him on my team.”

The trio spent two years together in Paris before Lionel Messi left the club at the end of his contract to join Inter Miami in 2023, and Neymar Jr moved to Al-Hilal for €90 million in the same year. Kylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid this summer on a free transfer after his contract with the French giants expired.