Michel Platini claims that Kylian Mbappe is ‘lost on the pitch’ at Real Madrid

Michel Platini has claimed Kylian Mbappe has 'lost his way on the pitch' at Real Madrid.

Mbappe has come in for a lot of criticism recently for his performances for Real, especially in relation to his performance in the Champions League defeat to Liverpool, when he missed a penalty when his effort was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher.

The 25-year-old has scored just once in his last six appearances for Real in all competitions, with Platini admitting his compatriot was in a difficult moment.

However, French legend Platini has backed Mbappe to respond and show he is a 'great champion'.

As Football Espana reported, Platini said: 'I see him lost on the pitch. However, great champions must rise from the ashes. That is what will make Kylian a great champion.

“I am convinced that this is only a small setback for him and for French football.”

Mbappé made his long-awaited move from Paris Saint-Germain to Real this summer, but not everything has gone to plan so far.

The forward has achieved a respectable return of seven goals in 12 appearances in LaLiga this season. However, he only scored once in five Champions League games.

Former Real Madrid player Guti was heavily critical of Mbappé's performance against Liverpool and stated that he lacks confidence.

Guti told Mundo Deportivo: 'We are all eager to know what happens to Mbappe. He looks insecure and shy. Just before he took the penalty, he looked scared.

'In that sense, he is certainly not happy with his performance and wants something more. There is a lack of confidence and you add that Real Madrid were eagerly waiting for him and that he has come out of his PSG bubble where he had everything under control.

“Mbappe has now come to another team where he will certainly have to compete with big players to be the best, and that will all come at a cost. And the Real Madrid shirt is difficult… And that's normal.

“It's hard to think of a player adapting so quickly and so quickly to a club like Real Madrid, where it is very difficult to play.”

At PSG, Mbappe scored an impressive 256 goals in 308 games and won a string of league titles during his time at the French club, but Champions League glory eluded him.

Real have struggled in the Champions League so far this season, as evidenced by the fact that they sit 24th in the league stage.

Meanwhile, in LaLiga they sit in second place, four points behind leaders Barcelona but with a game in hand.

Mbappé hopes to be able to respond to his critics when Real returns to action on Saturday afternoon with a home match against Getafe.