Tim Sherwood says the "jury is still out" on Kylian Mbappe and claims the Paris Saint-Germain striker would be "frustrating" to manage.
Mbappe, 23, is widely viewed as one of the world's best players and on Monday he came sixth in the standings for the 2022 Ballon d'Or award, won by his France teammate Karim Benzema.
Mbappe will hope to challenge for the award next year after making an impressive start to the current season, scoring 12 goals in 14 games in the opening months of the campaign.
Despite his fine form, speculation continues to surround Mbappe's long-term future amid reports he is unhappy at PSG.
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It has been claimed that Mbappe is seeking to leave the French club just months after turning down a move to Real Madrid in order to sign a new three-year deal at the Parc des Princes.
Former Tottenham manager Sherwood believes Mbappe is yet to live up to his full potential and still has something to prove before he can be considered the best player in world football.
"I find him very exciting to watch when he's on his day, but I also find him quite frustrating," Sherwood said on talkSPORT.
"He's like [Thierry] Henry isn't he? He drifts out on the left-hand side," added Sherwood.
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"A lot of boys these days want to play out there with their backside to the touchline and drift inside and threaten the goal.
"Listen, he's got incredible pace and skill, quick feet and the ability to finish. He'd be up there… certainly in the top five, but the jury is still out for me.
"People say 'you must be mad', but I look quite intently at him and he just frustrates me.
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"Certainly, if I were to manage him – he would frustrate me."
Sherwood's comments have attracted criticism from fans of Mbappe on social media.
"Tim mate. Let's make one thing very clear. Managing Mbappe is something you will never ever need to worry about. Ever," posted one fan on Twitter.
Another added: "Jury for what? He has a massive ego but PSG gave him that power. His quality is unquestionable."
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While a third wrote: "Jury's still out on him? won the WC at 19."
Mbappe was booed by some of the audience on the red carpet at Monday's awards ceremony in Paris as the speculation surrounding his future continues.
But the France international has played down suggestions he could leave PSG in January.
Speaking after Sunday's 1-0 win over rivals Marseille, Mbappe said: "I have not asked to leave Paris Saint-Germain in January.
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"I'm not furious with the club, it's not true."
Topics: Kylian Mbappe, Football, Paris Saint-Germain, France, Ligue 1