I Started Respecting Mbappe After The Argentina Game – Matuidi

Raphael Varane believes Kylian Mbappe is an “alien” who could win the Ballon d’Or.

“If he does not win the next Ballon d’Or, we will tell him that it is not normal — we will yell at him! Yes, Kylian is a more precocious talent than I was. His intelligence and maturity really left an impression — his talent is monstrous.

“I have known some extra-terrestrial talents in my time, but I think that this is the first time that I have met a young alien! Everything moves quickly. When I speak tactics with him prematch, I do not have time to finish my sentences — he has already understood and assimilated it.

“Whatever happens, I advise Kylian to keep playing the same role for Les Bleus — he will certainly become even more important over the years. He should continue to do what he knows how to do, without trying to burden himself by doing too much, and stay this way — he should remain focused on his role for the team.

“You cannot demand of somebody just 20 years old to fill the role of a 35-year-old veteran. When you burst onto the scene early like Kylian has, expectations are high.”

Blaise Matuidi has also praised Mbappe, pointing at his performance in the 4-3 win over Argentina in the World Cup round of 16 as the moment the teenager announced himself to the world.

“We knew that we had a phenomenon among us,” the Juventus man told Le Parisien. “To do what he did against Argentina in the round of 16, though, that is something else … I tipped my hat to him that day.

“Europe already knew it, but the entire planet was made aware of Kylian on that day — he is on track to become a Ballon d’Or winner in the next few years.”