Mbappé stood out again at half-time in the match against Villarreal

Not selected by Didier Deschamps for the Blues, considered still too tight physically, Kylian Mbappé was nevertheless a good starter this Saturday with Real Madrid against Villarreal at the Bernabéu. But despite the 2-0 victory for the Madrilenians, the French striker did not shine, being rather discreet throughout the match. Aligned in attack with Vinicius Jr, Mbappé struggled to influence the game, despite still sharp accelerations at times. From the 5th minute, he missed an opportunity at the far post before losing a decisive face-to-face with Diego Conde in the 38th minute. Too clumsy in small spaces and sometimes poorly placed, Mbappé failed to prove as dangerous as usual. Replaced by Rodrygo in the 71st minute, he left the pitch with a taste of unfinished business.

Mbappé, the object of desire

This is not the first time that Mbappé has found himself in the spotlight for reasons other than his performances on the pitch. He seems to have become a player that opponents seek to approach, not only to counter him, but also to trade a souvenir. Already, last September, Alavés defender Abdel Abqar asked for his jersey at half-time. This Saturday again, Parejo, Villarreal midfielder, waited for Mbappé before returning to the locker room to obtain the French international’s precious jersey. A sign of recognition for one of the most prominent attackers in world football, but who will quickly have to find his best form to continue to be decisive with Real.