Jude Bellingham's performances have declined following a stunning debut season at Real Madrid amid suggestions of dressing room unrest caused by Kylian Mbappe's arrival, claims scathing reviews in the Spanish press after the club's shock Champions League defeat.
Madrid are attempting to defend their European crown that was largely orchestrated by the individual success of Bellingham and Vinicius Jnr last season, but a1-0 defeat against Lille on Wednesday ended their 14-game unbeaten run in the competition and raised more questions over personnel problems.
A squad already packed with superstar talents was boosted by Mbappe's blockbuster arrival as he ran down his contract at PSG and made a sensational free transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, his switch to the Spanish capital is causing the performance of other players to decline with Bellingham one of Carlo Ancelotti's stars struggling to play alongside Mbappe, as reported byAS.
The England playmaker scored six goals in his opening seven games last season as the former Birmingham and Borussia Dortmund star made a stunning start to life in Spain.
Jude Bellingham's has declined following a stunning debut season at Real Madrid claims reports in Spain
Bellingham (right) is one of Madrid's players who have struggled since Kylian Mbappe's (left) high-profile arrivals
Mbappe failed to make an impact after coming off the bench in Madrid's defeat against Lille on Wednesday
However, this season has seen Bellingham manage just two assists in as many games and is yet to score as the emergence of Mbappe has seen his role within the team change.
Bellingham was often used as a makeshift striker by Ancelotti last season, but has now dropped deeper into midfield where his attacking impact is being limited as Mbappe is preferred to lead the line instead.
The 21-year-old has largely taken on the playmaking responsibilities vacated by Toni Kroos who decided to retire at the end of last season and Madrid have lacked the fluidity they used to build attacks with through the German.
Bellingham also carried the weight alongside Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr as the club's star figures last season, but Mbappe's move has largely removed that title as the French superstar claws attention from supporters and mass media.
That has caused suggestions of dressing room unrest within the squad as Ancelotti attempts to manage a team filled with superstar talent and the huge personalities that come with that.
Commenting on Bellingham's drop in form, AS critically analysed his latest showing against Lille stating: 'In Bellingham's case, the decline is much more palpable: he has only two assists, without goals, in seven games played. Last season, after seven games, he had scored six goals.
'These figures should not be compared coldly, because his role now, since the arrival of Mbappé , is very different, but the Englishman is still looking for his best version as a midfielder , the one he offered, for example, in the second half of the European Super Cup against Atalanta.
'Ancelotti knows this, but he is going to give him all the time in the world: 'His position is the same as last year, with all the success achieved last year. Now things are not going as clearly for him, but we just have to wait.''
Meanwhile, Mbappe started defeat against Lille on the bench before coming on in the second-half but failing to score as his youngerbrother Ethan later led the French side's dressing room celebrations.
Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was critical of his side's Champions League defeat against Lille
Madrid managed six shots on target throughout the encounter but failed to break the deadlock and Madrid boss Ancelotti suggested his players need a wakeup call as they attempt to defend their Champions League and LaLiga titles.
'It was complicated, it was not our best game and we have to clean our heads,' said Ancelotti.
'It seemed that we were improving, but we took a step back with this match.
'Lille have been better than us. We could use a stroke of attention and a little criticism,' he added.