Vinicius Jr is also described as a leader on the pitch and is now considered the one his team-mates rely on the most. Before his last injury, the Brazilian was the most successful striker at Madrid, having been involved in 20 goals (scoring 12 and assisting eight), and he can be a vocal presence in dressing-room discussions.

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.