Former Ligue 1 manager Rolland Courbis is not completely sold with Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe playing as a No. 9 for the club.
Mbappe has shown off his versatility for PSG by playing as a winger and a center forward. He has had prominent success in both positions, but considering his age, he still has much to learn as a forward. However, Courbis believes that Mbappe has not made much progress in his game over the past year. In speaking to RMC Sport (via Canal Supporters), he dived into the Frenchman’s performances over the past 12 months and why he has not made a huge jump in his play.
“Despite all the admiration we can have, we must not forget that in football there is progress to be made at all ages and in all functions,” Courbis said. “It may be because of muscle concerns, perhaps it is fatigue, the cut of the virus, it may be this last injury that distorts everything, but what is certain is that on these past 12 months, he has not progressed in any sector. He scores a lot in our championship, in the decisive matches you feel that he has the character to be a leader, but the last or penultimate passes I don’t see them.”
Courbis is also not a fan of Mbappe playing as a No. 9 in any of PSG manager Thomas Tuchel’s formations. The former Ligue 1 manager much prefers to see Mbappe occupy spaces out on the left.
“What about his post?” Courbis said. “Especially not number 9. You use 50% of Mbappe’s qualities. He must have field to be able to accelerate. He must be able to drop out to gain momentum. He must be on the left side to enter on his right foot. And in the months to come, he will have to make progress.”
Mbappe will begin his fourth season with PSG next month.
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