Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe has been in the news for a plethora of reasons in recent weeks, starting with his injury and surprise vacation. Beyond that, the Ballon d’Or saga has kept him in the spotlight for a reasonable while now.
The Frenchman, after all, has not held back in speaking out about why he deserves to win the prestigious individual award, and while it is perfectly okay to campaign for the award, it is something that has not usually been done in the past.
In terms of his goalscoring numbers, there is no doubt that Mbappe should be a frontrunner for the award. His lack of a single trophy for both club and country, however, works against his chances.
Mbappe’s sarcastic reply to baseless rumours
Reports stated that Mbappe was angry at Zidane. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Earlier today, there were reports of Kylian Mbappe being angry with Zinedine Zidane and Real Madrid for not campaigning for him to win the Ballon d’Or this year.
The rumours, needless to say, portrayed the player in a very bad light and made it seem like the club not making public gestures to acknowledge and back his campaign affected him personally.
Now, the player has himself come out to lash out at the journalists, albeit in a sarcastic manner. Commenting directly below the post making the claim via Fabrizio Romano, the player wrote,
“Yes, yes, I even got angry with my great aunt too.”
Mbappe’s ability to deal with such reports with a tinge of humour, needless to say, is impressive and it can only be good for his image that he spoke out and cut off the news at its roots.
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid superstar
Mbappe will be back against Villarreal. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
There has been significant concern around Mbappe’s fitness in recent weeks after the player left the French national team with an injury after their first game.
The initial diagnosis appeared worrying, but it soon came to light that the player had avoided a major setback by a hair’s breadth.
Now, there is increasing hope that the Frenchman will be back for Real Madrid’s first game after the break against Villarreal, possibly even as a starter.
Needless to say, that comes as a massive positive for Jose Mourinho’s plans ahead of a crucial stretch of the season.
Manchester United legend hails Real Madrid star after sublime display vs Croatia: ‘Could become one of the greatest of all time’
Roy Keane, Manchester United legend
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Jude Bellingham’s latest England performance has earned major praise from Manchester United and Premier League legend Roy Keane, who believes the Real Madrid midfielder has the potential to become one of the greatest players in football history.
Bellingham was at the centre of England’s impressive display against Croatia, scoring once and providing three assists.
His four goal involvements also made him the first England midfielder to reach that mark in a match since David Platt recorded the same tally against San Marino in February 1993.
Speaking about Real Madrid midfielder’s display for the national team, the former Manchester United player was quoted by MARCA as saying,
“Bellingham could go on to become one of the greatest players of all time.”
Keane was particularly impressed by the midfielder’s work without the ball, an aspect of Bellingham’s game that he feels can influence the rest of the team.
Jude Bellingham, England and Real Madrid player
Jude Bellingham was unstoppable against Croatia. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
“His attitude with the England team of late… I’ve praised him for being fantastic on the ball, but what he does off the ball is what motivates all these players.
“If you have a player of that calibre in your team – someone who’s incredible on the ball, plays for Real Madrid and does brilliant things – but above all, his commitment off the ball – that will inspire all the other players,” continued Keane.
The statistics from the Croatia match show just how complete Bellingham’s performance was.
Alongside his goal and three assists, he created eight chances, with four classified as big chances.
He completed both of his attempted crosses, found his target with six of seven long balls and successfully completed four of six dribbles.
Jude Bellingham, England and Real Madrid player
Bellingham was directly involved in four of England’s seven goals vs Croatia. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
That creativity came with the physical presence that has become a major part of his game.
Bellingham also won eight duels against Croatia and added an interception, two recoveries and two further defensive contributions.
He was also fouled three times as Croatia struggled to deal with his strength and ability to drive forward.
The performance offered another example of why Bellingham is increasingly influential for both Real Madrid and England.
His attacking output is obvious, but his willingness to press, defend, create, and carry the ball gives him an influence across almost every phase of the game.