Gary Lineker has hailed Liverpool transfer target Kylian Mbappe as a ‘very special’ player and someone who oozes confidence in his game, as he told Match of the Day.
The 23-year-old could argue that he is one of the best players in the world right now, with Lineker in no doubt that he is ‘the greatest player on the planet’ as of today.
To have that type of tag on your head when you aren’t playing in the best league in Europe or playing for one of the true historical giants of world football proves just how good you must be.
Mbappe proved that at the 2018 World Cup in Russia when he was a fresh-faced teenager, including becoming the first teen since a certain Brazil icon named Pele to score in a final of football’s greatest-ever event.
Well, France are now aiming to make it back-to-back world titles in Qatar, as they got off to a winning start on Tuesday by coming from behind to beat Australia 4-1 – Mbappe scored and assisted during the game.
There was talk of Mbappe possibly leaving PSG last summer, but he stayed put and signed a new deal, but surely someone has to well and truly push the boat out for him now, as former England striker Lineker lauded his talents.
“Imagine how good he would be with a bit of confidence,” joked Lineker about Mbappe’s character. “I am going to read a few stats out.
“11 goals in his last 10 caps for France (now 12 in 11), including the winner in last year’s Nations League final. 12 goals in 13 starts in Ligue 1 this season. 60 goal involvements in all competitions last season. Most of any player in the top five leagues. Tournament high of 22 assists in the Champions League since the start of 2017/18.
“Special. Very special – this fella is unbelievably confident. He knows it (that he’s the best in the game).
“I don’t think you can get enough of the superstars of the game and he is, unquestionably, the greatest player on the planet, at the moment.”
TIME FOR MBAPPE TO ELEVATE HIS CAREER
With due respect to a club the size of PSG, who wouldn’t be anywhere near where they are today if it wasn’t for the money, but if Mbappe wants true icon status, then it’s time to leave his current club.
Liverpool are a club that could provide him with that status because he would be playing for one of England’s biggest and most historical clubs and the best league in the world.
The issue someone like Jurgen Klopp will find is that Liverpool aren’t the only ones that want to sign him – Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City could create one of the scariest-ever attacking ingredients by adding Mbappe with pass-master Kevin de Bruyne and goal-crazy, Erling Haaland.
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