Like most former forwards, Aliadiere appreciates elite movement, ruthless finishing and players who can decide games on their own. And in Mbappe, he still sees one of the best attacking players in world football.
But speaking to Football Presse on behalf of Premier League predictions, the former Arsenal striker admits he has been surprised by how quickly things have turned turbulent for Mbappe at Real Madrid.
With growing criticism from supporters, dressing-room speculation and fan frustration building in recent weeks, Mbappe finds himself under scrutiny despite another prolific season in front of goal.
And Aliadiere admits it raises questions.
“I think the press are making a lot of noise. But at the same time, when you keep hearing about problems around one player, eventually you start asking why.”
Aliadiere believes one isolated dispute can happen anywhere in football. But repeated controversy, he says, becomes harder to ignore.
“When you have an issue at one club, okay — maybe it’s the club, maybe it’s circumstances. But when there’s drama somewhere else as well, then naturally people start asking if there’s something more to it.”
Mbappe’s departure from Paris Saint-Germain came with enormous attention, and now, less than two years into life in Madrid, he is again finding himself in the headlines for reasons beyond his football.
That said, Aliadiere is clear about one thing: this is not about ability.
“Performance-wise, you can’t really question him. He’s scoring goals, his numbers are incredible, and when you look at his quality, he’s still one of the best players in the world.”
That is what makes the situation so strange to him.
“That’s why I look at it and think — where’s the issue? Because if he’s performing, if he’s delivering, then clearly something else is happening.”
Aliadiere admits fan backlash of that scale would affect any player.
“If supporters start turning on you or asking questions about your commitment, that hurts. Especially when you’re actually producing on the pitch.”
He believes the next few months could define Mbappe’s relationship with the Madrid supporters.
“The biggest players always get judged differently. The question now is how he reacts. Does he sulk? Or does he come back, score goals and make everyone forget?”
Aliadiere also wonders whether stronger leadership around him might help calm the situation.
“Sometimes when you have a huge personality as a player, you need a huge personality as a manager too.”
He points to Zinedine Zidane as the perfect example.
“Someone like Zidane doesn’t need to say much — players listen because of who he is.”
For Aliadiere, Mbappe’s story in Madrid is far from finished.
“He’s too talented, too driven and too important for it to end badly if he handles it the right way.”
But for now, one of football’s biggest stars remains one of the game’s biggest talking points.