Harry Redknapp has claimed that Kylian Mbappe is “miles away” from reaching the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Euro 2024.
♦ Mbappe makes the move to Real Madrid
♦ Redknapp says he’s still not close to Messi or CR7
♦ Backs Kane for Euros’ Player of the Tournament
WHAT HAPPENED?
Mbappe has finally made his long-awaited move to Real Madrid as Los Blancos announced the Frenchman’s move on Monday. However, legendary former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp has claimed that the 25-year-old is not in the same bracket as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who have put up insane numbers over the past 15 years. He also revealed that England striker Harry Kane has his backing to win the Player of the Tournament ahead of Mbappe at the European Championship in Germany.
WHAT REDKNAPP SAID
Speaking to BetVictor, Redknapp said: “Kylian Mbappe is a real talent but when it comes to the Player of the Tournament, I’d rather side with one of the England players.
“Mbappe is hot and cold. He can be the best player on the pitch in one game then you might not see anything of him in the next.
“He is a great player but I still wouldn’t put him in the same bracket as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He is miles away from being what those two have been for the last 15 years.
“I can see why he’s favourite for the Player of the Tournament award, but I’d rather be backing one of the England players like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Mbappe, Kane, Foden and Bellingham have all had very spectacular seasons heading into the Euros and are the outright favourites to win the Player of the Tournament award in Germany. Kane shone in a record-breaking debut season at Bayern Munich, while Foden spearheaded Manchester City’s latest title charge and Bellingham became a Champions League and La Liga winner at Real Madrid. Mbappe, meanwhile, signed off at Paris Saint-Germain with a French double.
WHAT NEXT?
While the odds suggest that Mbappe will be the outright standout player, it will only be when the Euros actually begin that the performances can be judged properly. The Euros will kick off on June 14 when Germany take on Scotland at Allianz Arena.