Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon believes France star Kylian Mbappe is on course to becoming one of the game’s all-time greats.
Mbappe, 19, became the second teenager to score in a World Cup final as he helped fire France past Croatia last month.
The other man to achieve the feat, Pele, joked he would have to “dust off he boots” if the explosive young forward continued to threaten his records.
Italy legend Buffon says his new team-mate can finish a burgeoning career among football’s very finest, recalling a first-hand experience of Mbappe’s immense potential in the 2016-17 Champions League semi-finals.
“These words are not insignificant because Barzagli, when he is focused and fit, is really a top defender.
“It’s obvious [Mbappe] has something more than others. I hope he will remain humble and keep this desire to progress and make sacrifices.
“If so, he will make a mark in the history of football and write incredible pages of the sport.”
Mbappe returned to PSG on Monday following an extended post-World Cup break.
He could line up alongside Buffon for the first time when the 40-year-old makes his Ligue 1 bow at home to Caen on Sunday.
Mbappé has been described by Arsène Wenger as a “huge football talent” who “has similarities to Thierry Henry”.His talent and precocious performances for France at the 2018 World Cup also led him to be compared to Pelé in the media. A versatile forward, Mbappé often plays as a winger, and is capable of playing on either flank, due to his ability with either foot.
He is capable of cutting into the centre onto his stronger right foot from the left wing, and is also capable of creating chances and providing assists for teammates from the right due to his vision. He is also able to play in the centre as a main striker, due to his composure, clinical finishing, and eye for goal.
A highly skilful player, Mbappé is also known for his excellent dribbling ability, as well as his explosive acceleration, agility, quick feet, and creativity when in possession of the ball, as demonstrated by his use of elaborate feints, such as step overs, or sudden changes of pace or direction to beat opponents in one on one situations. In spite of his tall lean frame, he is also an athletic player, gifted with physical strength.
In addition to his technical skills, Mbappé is also highly regarded for his outstanding pace and close ball control when dribbling at speed, as well as his intelligent movement and ability to beat the defensive line by making attacking runs into space both on and off the ball; his ability to time his runs enables him to stretch opposing defences, and also make him a dangerous offensive threat on counter-attacks. Regarding Mbappé’s ability to run at defences, former France international Nicolas Anelka stated, “He reminds me of Ronaldo of the 1996 Olympics.
He has the characteristics of a world-class player and he must manage them properly. If he follows Ronaldo’s career, ‘O Phenomenon’, he will be one of the legends that has made history in the sport