Kylian Mbappe has been criticised by Jerome Rothen for his performances for France against Spain and Germany despite scoring two goals.
Mbappe’s latest heroics for France earned them third place in the 2025 Nations League but ex-France player Rothen, who spoke on French outlet RMC, was far from impressed by the French captain’s showing.
Despite scoring a penalty and providing an assist, Mbappe’s France came short against Lamine Yamal’s Spain which set up their third place play-off Germany where Mbappe once again scored a goal and assisted Michael Olise for the second goal.
Speaking on French television, Rothen discussed Mbappe’s technical issues, saying:
“As is often the case, he came to participate in the game because he wanted to touch the ball, seeing that he wasn’t served.
“But did you see the technical errors, in the transmission between the midfield and the attack?
“When the team is suffering, he disappears far too much for an attacking leader.
“When they are suffering less, he creates opportunities, as was the case against Spain.”
Finally, he challenged Mbappe to become better when he said “For Kylian Mbappe, who proclaims himself the best player in the world of football, you have to be much more efficient, my friend.
“Because with the number of opportunities you have.
“And it’s not just in that match; it had been a year since he had scored in open play [with the national team]…
“I think that Kylian Mbappé, who was creative at one time, is no longer at all today.
“That’s why he plays as a number 9.
“Because he doesn’t make enough effort when he plays on the wing.
“Because when he has the ball at a standstill, he can’t really eliminate it and he wastes a lot.
“In his passes today, he wastes a lot more than before.”
Read more: Beckham Reveals The ‘Only’ Team He Would Consider Managing
Club duties will resume for Mbappe who will return to Real Madrid with their newly appointed coach Xabi Alonso. Madrid will take on Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup on June 19.
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