Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, France players
Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe is one of the biggest superstars in world football and a key focal point in the France national team.
Recently, there was chatter surrounding the Les Bleus dressing room, with talk of a rift between Ousmane Dembele and Mbappe.
The PSG star man has now dismissed suggestions of a problem between himself and the Real Madrid star.
Dembele dismisses Mbappe rumours
Ahead of France’s next game against Italy, at a press conference as quoted by Canal Plus, Dembele was directly asked whether there was a conflict with Mbappe.
“Problems with Kylian Mbappe? There is nothing going on,” Dembele said.
“I don’t comment on all these stories.”
“These are just little wars on social media. I’m 29 years old, I don’t have time for that.”
Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, France players
Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe are superstars for France. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Dembele was then pressed on whether he and the Madrid forward were still friends.
He confirmed they had spoken during the France camp and revealed that the pair continue to sit next to each other at the table.
“We’ve spoken. We sit next to each other at the table. There is no problem,” he said.
Ballon d’Or talk had fuelled speculation
The chatter started around the Ballon d’Or race, with comments from both players generating plenty of attention.
Dembele, however, appears determined not to allow that narrative to develop into something bigger, particularly when the two remain important figures for the national team.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid
Mbappe is currently injured and not on France duty. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)
He also spoke about how important Mbappe is to the team and his sporting importance.
“Mbappe is an important player for the national team,” Dembele said.
“He has shown it throughout all these years. He has scored a lot of goals. He’s the captain. When he’s there, we’re very happy.”
Dembele seems keen to put the rift talk to bed, and that is important for the sake of the France national team.
More importantly, when a player of Mbappe’s stature is around, such controversies are always going to circulate in the media.
Mbappe already carries enormous responsibility for club and country, and Dembele is equally important.
It remains to be seen how the relationship between the duo pans out in the coming months when they feature for Les Bleus.
Arda Guler talks Mbappe, Courtois and Real Madrid Player of the Month award: ‘A source of great pride’
Arda Guler, Real Madrid player
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Real Madrid have had a mixed start to the new season, but one player who has been a revelation is Arda Guler.
The Turkey starlet made an impression during pre-season, and Jose Mourinho has trusted him with the right-wing role at the start of the campaign.
Guler was even awarded Real Madrid’s Five-Star Player of the Month for September as a reward for his excellent performances so far.
He has now offered a glowing assessment of two of his Real Madrid team-mates, praising Kylian Mbappe and Thibaut Courtois.
Speaking in a press conference, as quoted by Haber Turk, Guler was particularly complimentary about Mbappe, having recently lost 1-0 to him against France.
“Kylian Mbappe is one of the best players in the world,” Guler said.
“In addition to his on-field quality, he’s an absolutely wonderful person. A humble, genuine, and honest character.”
“Whatever his success is on the pitch, his personality off the pitch is just as impeccable.”
Arda Guler of Real Madrid
Arda Guler has been in excellent form since the start of the season. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
The relationship between the pair has been visible beyond Madrid. Following France’s victory over Turkey, Mbappe shared an image with Guler on social media accompanied by the word “Habibi”.
Even on the pitch, the relationship is encouraging. Guler has become increasingly important creatively, while Mbappe remains the focal point of the attack.
Huge praise for Courtois
Guler was also asked about Courtois ahead of facing Belgium, although the Madrid goalkeeper will not be involved.
“Thibaut Courtois is perhaps one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time,” Guler said, adding that he has enormous respect for his teammate.
It is a huge statement, but hardly surprising coming from somebody who trains against Courtois regularly and sees his level from close range.
The Belgian shot-stopper has taken a sabbatical from international football and will revisit his future after the Nations League next year.
Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid
Guler offers special praise for Thibaut Courtois. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The 21-year-old also reacted to being named Real Madrid’s Five-Star Player of the Month for September.
“Being named Real Madrid Player of the Month is a source of great pride for me,” Guler said, before stressing that victory with Turkey against Belgium would make him even happier.
Guler will hope to continue his good form after international football and keep contributing to Mourinho’s side.
The Turkey international looks set to play an important role for Madrid in the rest of the campaign, and it remains to be seen how his form pans out.