[Saba Sports News] Real Madrid have paid the price for ignoring warnings about Mbappe’s fitness. According to Spanish media, the French striker has suffered from physical problems since joining the club, causing him to fail to live up to expectations on the pitch.
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According to Relevo, Mbappe has seen a worrying trend in his physical data since the 2018 World Cup, with a decrease in indicators including running distance, high-intensity exercise and sprint speed, showing a significant reduction in his activity. Those physical problems were early signs, but Real Madrid went ahead with the signing of Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024. Clubs are loath to miss out on a free agent in his prime, especially as he is one of the world’s top shirt sellers.
Mr. Mbappe’s performance, however, has been less than satisfactory. In five Champions League matches this season, he has covered a total of just 39 kilometres, an average of less than eight kilometres per match. In contrast, Bellingham runs more than 10 kilometers per race. The Daily Mail pointed out that the gap clearly reflected Mbappe’s physical problems, showing that he failed to perform as well as he should.
With Mbappe failing to perform at his best, Real Madrid’s management is looking for ways to help him return to form. Mr. Mbappe, however, appears to be having a hard time adjusting to the new environment. He felt isolated at center, leading to a sustained slump in performance.