The world of football has seen its share of spectacular talents, but few have stirred as much debate as Kylian Mbappé. The 26-year-old forward, currently dazzling fans at Real Madrid, has amassed a remarkable record this season, scoring 30 goals in just 43 appearances. His mouthwatering performance in the Champions League, where he netted a hat-trick against Manchester City, made history as he became the youngest player to be directly involved in 500 career goals. However, despite these impressive achievements, concerns linger regarding his attitude and how it might hinder his potential becoming the greatest of all time.
Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney weighed in on this conversation, expressing that Mbappé needs to adopt the mentality akin to Manchester United legends Roy Keane and Wayne Rooney if he wants to ascend to the elite status many believe he can reach.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Deeney offered insights into why he believes Mbappé is still not the best in the world. “One of [the best], not the best,” Deeney remarked, as he cited Mbappé’s inconsistent performance, especially at the start of the season, which he described as “stinky.” Deeney has observed how, while Mbappé exhibits incredible talent, players like Vinícius Jr. in the same squad might outshine him with their teamwork and consistency.
Deeney’s skepticism comes against the backdrop of Mbappé’s illustrious track record which includes four goals across two World Cup finals and pivotal contributions in France's victory against Croatia in the 2018 World Cup. Indeed, Mbappé scored in that memorable match, contributing to the 4-2 win that cemented France's second title.
Looking ahead, France's upcoming Nations League quarter-final clash against Croatia on March 20 and 23 presents another opportunity for Mbappé to showcase his mettle. Having previously scored a hat-trick against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final, expectations are high for his continued excellence.
Yet, Deeney cautions, being a striker known for scoring goals doesn’t automatically equate to being a “big game” player. He invoked the spirits of legends like Keane and Rooney, suggesting that true greatness is about taking charge in crucial moments and elevating the team. Deeney emphasized: “He’s not exactly a slouch... But I just think when you talk about big-game players, I don’t think a big-game player is somebody who just scores in a final.”
While Mbappé does hold the incredible statistic of being the second youngest player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, Deeney argues that the ability to lead and inspire teammates is what sets the true greats apart. “Does he strike you as somebody that is going to help anybody else other than himself?” he posed, a probing query that speaks to the heart of Mbappé's trajectory.
Despite Deeney's critiques, the French team remains hopeful for Mbappé to step into the shoes of a leader, especially as he closes in on becoming France's all-time top scorer. Currently sitting at 48 goals from 86 appearances, he is just three shy of equality with Thierry Henry at 51 goals. With Olivier Giroud retiring from international play in 2024, this path towards creating his legacy looks increasingly clear.
On another note, the influence of Roy Keane finds its way back into football discussions regularly. Ian Wright, a former Arsenal striker, stated on Stadium Astro that the intensity with which Keane played was unparalleled. Wright expressed that Keane was the most intense opponent he ever faced, attributing this to Keane's leadership role during his time at Manchester United. Wright noted, “Roy Keane was really intense. There was no let-up in his manner on the pitch ... This is why they were so revered.”
Keane's journey from humble beginnings in Ireland to becoming a football legend is well-documented. He joined Manchester United for a staggering £3.75 million and went on to win seven Premier League titles and a Champions League during his tenure at Old Trafford. His experience on the pitch has served as a blueprint for future generations of players.
Interestingly, Keane transitioned to management after retirement, but his approach received mixed reviews. Ross Wallace, a player who worked under him at Sunderland, recalled a time Keane’s high expectations clashed with the reality of his squad, which was far from the star-studded teams of his days at Manchester United. Wallace mentioned, “I just think his expectation of the players... We weren’t in Man United, were we?”
Wallace also recounted a light-hearted moment that highlighted Keane’s personality: a prank by Tony Loughlan that brought a smile amid the high-pressure atmosphere, where Loughlan seated Wallace in a high chair during a meeting.
The legacy of players like Keane, Rooney, and now Mbappé lives on as they shape the face of football, contributing to its history both on and off the pitch. As the upcoming weeks unfold, the anticipation builds for Mbappé’s performance against Croatia and whether he will step up to meet the expectations on his shoulders. Football fans across the globe will be watching closely as these young stars fight to assert their era in the sport.
