Real Madrid’s signing of Kylian Mbappé on a free transfer this summer was hailed as a major triumph. However, reports indicate the club overlooked critical concerns about the French star’s declining physical output before finalising the deal.

Real Madrid is out of sorts, and the Frenchman is part of that. As such, the glare falls on him. He’s the story, a dialed-down, diluted version of the soccer phenom he was upon arrival in Spain. A dizzied surfer unable to ride the waves he once could.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Saturday superstar striker Kylian Mbappe's struggles this season are due to his team's overall lack of consistency.