Carlo Ancelotti 'identifies problem player' at Real Madrid who he thinks is biggest reason for their downfall

Carlo Ancelotti has 'identified the problem player' at Real Madrid and believes he is the biggest reason for their downfall this season, according to a report.

Real enjoyed a stunning campaign last season, winning the La Liga and Champions League titles.

They pipped arch-rivals Barcelona to top spot in the league by 10 points and claimed their 15th European trophy following their victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium.

However, Real aren't having it their own way this season despite the superstar acquisition of Kylian Mbappe, who joined the club on a blockbuster free transfer during the summer.

Mbappe has scored eight goals across all competitions this season but his side trail Barca in La Liga.

And they've got off to a shaky defence of their Champions League title, having already lost a game.

According to Spanish outlet Relevo, Ancelotti has highlighted Mbappe's lack of work out of possession as a big issue in his side.

Following defeats to Lille and Barcelona, Ancelotti has sought to understand why there has been a huge drop-off from last season's performances.

Kylian Mbappe cuts a dejected figure against Barcelona. Image: Getty

Mbappe has been identified as the issue, per the report, who claim the forward is not putting in the defensive work, having ran just eight kilometres in Real's crushing 4-0 defeat in the El Clasico last month.

His lack of defensive work up front is causing an imbalance that permeates the rest of the team, making attempts to win the ball back difficult.

The report states that Jude Bellingham is viewed as one of the biggest losers of the current team's tactical imbalance.

There is a 'certain annoyance' in the squad with the Frenchman's role when it comes to 'rolling up his sleeve'.

In games against Borussia Dortmund, where they trailed at the break, and Barcelona, heated conversations and debates were had in the middle of the pitch between the players to find solutions to the imbalance.

Ancelotti will be hoping to find a solution to his team's organisation ahead of fixtures against AC Milan and Osasuna this week.