“We have to give him affection” - Fede Valverde shares how Real Madrid stars feel about Kylian Mbappe

Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde has revealed that the members of the squad are prepared to support star forward Kylian Mbappe after his early struggles at the club. The Frenchman joined Los Blancos from Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent after months of speculation but found adaptation difficult.

Mbappe was a marquee addition to Real Madrid in the summer but has yet to dazzle for Los Merengues as he did in Paris. The 26-year-old has found the net 14 times in 24 appearances across all competitions for Carlo Ancelotti's side but has not managed to find consistency.

Kylian Mbappe was on the scoresheet for a third successive game for Real Madrid as they defeated Sevilla 4-2 on Sunday (December 22). Uruguayan midfielder Valverde was also on the scoresheet, and he spoke to Real Madrid TV afterwards about how the squad supports the French superstar.

“We have always seen him give his best. He works and trains as hard as possible to be at his best. You can make mistakes, and have bad games or bad plays but the important thing is to stand up and move forward. He is an example and a reference in the dressing room. He is one of the best players in the world and we have to give him affection."

Injuries and a loss of form since his move to Spain cost Kylian Mbappe his place in the French national team in October and November, something that has seldom happened in his career. He appears to have put his struggles behind him with his goals against Atalanta, Pachuca, and Sevilla.

Kylian Mbappe and the remainder of his Real Madrid teammates are on their mid-season break. The Frenchman will hope to continue his fine form in the second half of the season.

Real Madrid at risk of losing race for Bundesliga ace - Reports

Real Madrid are running the risk of losing out on the signing of Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz, who is edging closer to a new deal with the German outfit. The Germany international is in talks with the Bundesliga champions over a new contract, as per a report from the club's CEO.

Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has revealed that the plan is to have the midfielder at the club at the very least until 2026. In an interview with KSTA, the executive revealed that plans are in place to extend the German whiz's contract.

“We want Florian Wirtz to stay in Leverkusen at least until the 2026 World Cup. This makes it sensible to extend his contract. We are talking to him and his family very confidentially about this.”

Wirtz was nominated alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, and Jude Bellingham for the 2024 FIFA The Best Men's Player of the Year award. The midfielder is contracted to Bayer Leverkusen until 2027.