Mbappe’s commitment to Real Madrid questioned amid claims he was ‘more focused on the World Cup’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe is always in the spotlight for one reason or another, which is common for a player of his stature.

He has found himself at the centre of fresh debate in Spain, with questions being raised over whether the French superstar is sufficiently focused on Real Madrid.

This is a criticism that has followed him quite a bit since his move to Spain, but Mbappe’s goalscoring numbers simply cannot be criticised.

Questions raised over Mbappe’s priorities

Speaking on El Partidazo de COPE, journalist Juanma Castano discussed the perception surrounding Mbappe.

He suggested that there are people who believe the forward’s priorities have not always been completely aligned with those of Madrid.

“They see him as more committed to himself than to Real Madrid,” Castano said.

Mbappe’s commitment has been called into question. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The criticism then went further, with the World Cup in the summer also mentioned as a potential factor behind the perception.

“They saw him as more concerned about the World Cup than about the end of the season,” he added.

Those are serious claims to make about a leading player at Madrid whose performances on the pitch have hardly ever dipped.

A serious accusation at Real Madrid

Nothing in Castano’s comments proves that Mbappe deliberately placed France or his personal objectives ahead of Madrid.

Mbappe’s quality is beyond question, and his importance to Mourinho’s attack makes him one of the players Madrid can least afford to have surrounded by doubts over commitment.

The Frenchman was suffering from a knee injury in the second half of last season. This kept him out of action for a few weeks.

Mbappe has been in excellent form since the World Cup. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)

Mbappe returned in style at the World Cup, winning the Golden Boot and obliterating all kinds of goalscoring records.

He has since continued in the same vein at the beginning of the season for Mourinho’s team and has been one of La Liga’s best attackers.

Mbappe’s best answer has to come on the pitch

Ultimately, this is the kind of debate Mbappe can shut down himself, not with words but with his performances on the pitch.

Madrid do not need their biggest star to abandon his ambitions with France. They need him to ensure complete commitment to the club when he wears Madrid white, and he has not given them any reason to doubt that.

The Frenchman will continue to be held to very high standards compared to some other players. He is currently recovering from injury and will hope to return to action soon.

It remains to be seen how Mbappe fares for the rest of the season and whether he can play a starring role in bringing silverware back to the Santiago Bernabeu.