Mbappe: What Has Happened To PSG’S Superstar

While his goal output may still be high in Ligue 1 this season, Mbappe has struggled for form in the Champions League.

Remarkably, it has been close to a year since the 21-year-old netted in the Champions League.

His last goal in the competition arrived in a 5-0 win against Galatasaray. Five assists have followed since, yet more is expected of the man predicted to be a superstar for the next generation.

Mbappe, though, has been playing games at a relentless pace for years now. Since making his debut, he has already played 234 matches for club and country.

There has, of course, been a hangover. In Ligue 1 he has scored nine times and created five more in eight games but against stronger opponents like Manchester United and RB Leipzig, he has been mute.

Moreover, the relentlessly high level that fans are used to seeing from him has briefly vanished. It was surprising, for instance, to see him miss chances in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Bordeaux.

Thomas Tuchel has even resorted to pulling Mbappe out of domestic games early in a bid to preserve him. He has only played the full 90 minutes in Ligue 1 three times this season.

There promises to be no relent before Christmas. PSG face Manchester United, while their league position will have to be carefully managed.

If PSG’s long-term aim is to retain the superstar, their goal must be to get him back to full capacity. A lack of depth may mean that it is some months before we see Mbappe at his best once more.