Former striker Spartak Valery Masalitin offered his perspective on Kylian Mbappe and Paris Saint-Germain, suggesting the forward has yet to showcase his true potential at the club.
The retired 24-year-old French forward is widely regarded as one of the brightest talents in modern football. Masalitin explained that Mbappe’s current level of performance at PSG does not reflect the immense capabilities he possesses. The reason, he argues, lies in the heavy expectations surrounding the player and the turbulent atmosphere created by constant changes and transfer rumors within the club.
According to Masalitin, Mbappe has effectively become a decision-maker at PSG, having substantial influence over recruitment and player movements. This central role, he contends, can hinder the forward’s ability to express himself freely. When a club is in flux, players often find themselves pulled between competing ambitions and the need to protect their own future. For Mbappe, the pressure is amplified by the perception that several transfer targets are in flux, which can cloud his game and disrupt his rhythm on the pitch.
Masalitin pointed out that the ongoing speculation and the lack of solid preparation for the season have left Mbappe in a difficult spot. The forward is seen as a defining figure in the modern game, alongside peers such as Erling Haaland, with a natural claim to future Ballon dOr contention. Yet, through the early phase of the season, Mbappe has not been able to fully unleash his potential or consistently demonstrate the level many observers and fans expect from him. He has not yet found a clear path to maximizing his contributions on the field this campaign.
The upcoming Champions League clash between PSG and Milan, scheduled for the third round of the group stage, is set to take place at Parc des Princes in Paris. The match is slated for October 25, with the kickoff at 22:00 Moscow time. This fixture represents a pivotal moment for PSG as they seek to establish momentum in Europe and reassert Mbappe’s influence in a competitive setting. The outcome is likely to be read as a barometer of the team’s cohesion amid ongoing changes and the forward’s ability to translate potential into decisive performances on the continental stage.
Earlier remarks from Masalitin touched on PSG’s broader strategic challenges, noting a lack of a consistent, reliable figure in the side who can steady the squad in high-pressure moments. The absence of a dependable central anchor, he argued, can magnify the tension surrounding star players and complicate efforts to implement a cohesive game plan. As PSG navigates the demands of domestic action and European competition, the question remains whether Mbappe can reclaim a level of performance that matches his acknowledged talent and the ambitions of the club.