Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe has notably received comparisons to Juventus FC superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, but one of the Frenchman’s managers is slowing down on this narrative.
French national team manager Didier Deschamps held a pre-match press conference (via RMC Sport) ahead of his side’s UEFA Nations League fixture against Portugal. As usual with such a fixture like this one, much of the talk ahead of the contest has revolved around the superstar talents on both teams, such as Mbappe and Ronaldo. But even with Mbappe’s success so far in his career, Deschamps is putting a halt to the similarities between the forward and Ronaldo.
“On the fact of having been his idol, I think Cristiano Ronaldo was and is the idol of many young footballers,” Deschamps said. “It is difficult to compare a player who has many years at the highest level. A comparison will have to be made when Kylian Mbappé is at the same age.
“Cristiano Ronaldo has unceasingly, every season, this force to be decisive at all times. It is also a force of Kylian, obviously being much younger. They are two players classified in the category of the top players at the world level. After that, I do not know if I will be able to be there to make the comparison at the end of Kylian’s career. Although you never know.”
From a team and individual success standpoint, Mbappe is, of course, far behind Ronaldo. But in terms of playstyle, one could find similarities with the prowess that each plays with while inside the penalty box. Still, Mbappe has a long way to go before he can be mentioned alongside the likes of Ronaldo.
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