Kylian Mbappé | Player Performance Thread

We have to sign this kid, give him whatever he wants that second goal was crazy.
Sign him alternate him, Martial, Rashford and Ibra with two strikers up front like the good old days.
 
This kid is 18 and seems to be scoring for fun in the CL. Doing it in away games against City and Dortmund is no joke.
 
Scarecrow said:
Wasn't that obvious with Martial, as well?
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No martial wasn't as good as this kid, I'd say mbappe is a level better than martial even now.

Kag said:
Of course, Martial is completely finished.
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Where did I say martial is finished? Just Putting words in my mouth. I merely stated martial has been disappointing since joining us, which he has, obviously martial is talented too but tbh he's barely improved since he joined us.
 
Wednesday 30 September 1998 00.00 BSTFirst published on Wednesday 30 September 1998 00.00 BST

When Roger Lemerre, the new manager of France, was in Lens last week he could not fail to be impressed by Nicolas Anelka. If the World Cup is anything to go by - and spurning gilt-edged chances seemed a prerequisite for strikers wearing the blue shirt - the Arsenal prodigy looked the part.

The way he dithered during a one-on-one with the Lens keeper was very Christophe Dugarry. Blazing over the bar when he had time to measure his shot was as dazzling as Stephane Guivarc'h in full flow. In fairness to Anelka, it is a pity he has not yet opened his season's account because his all-round game at the moment brims with quality.

According to those who know him best, his potential is staggering. After only a few weeks at Highbury, Ian Wright first compared him to the player who reigns in football's firmament, enthusing: "He's on a Ronaldo kinda vibe." Now, Emmanuel Petit takes up the theme: "He is one of the most talented young strikers since the creation of French football. Nicolas and Ronaldo are the two strongest forwards in the world for their age." That is some billing to live up to.

It is an intriguing comparison, not only physically, but psychologically. In the post-World Cup tempest, the brilliant Brazilian lost his boyish insouciance and showed us his vulnerability. While his ability is beyond question, his mentality is quite different. Anelka is the same. He is no Michael Owen, no teenager whose firm focus insulates him from the pressures of fame and hyper-expectation.

"Nicolas has to realise that you need to have a strong character to survive this earth," adds Petit. It is a poignant message from a player who sometimes feels he is looking at a mirror image of his old self. Petit was an international at 18, enjoying a rise he describes as meteoric. Then he went off the rails after the death of his older brother Olivier on a football field.

"When I was young I was like him [Anelka], my mind wasn't very clear," says Petit. "So I try to give him advice." A few bons mots after Anelka's criticism of Overmars and Bergkamp in a newspaper article helped the young Frenchman to shake himself out of Harry Enfield teenager mode, to stop feeling the world was against him. "Everything you do, I have done it before you," Petit reassured him.

That guidance was needed again after Wednesday's match at Lens, when Anelka's frustration raged inside him. He sat next to Petit in the dressing-room and confessed: "It's my fault we didn't win." Wise words from his experienced compatriot eased his conscience. Anyway, he wasn't the only wasteful forward that night. Bergkamp, also waiting to hit the goal trail this season, was equally culpable.

Once the disappointment of dropping valuable Champions' League points subsided, Arsenal drew positivity from the performance. Some of the subtle moves and sublime interchanges were reminiscent of the power and panache that won them the Double. No time like the present, then, for adding the finishing touch, seeing as Manchester United are in town.

Catching sight of their fiercest of foes might just inspire Anelka. He chose the corresponding fixture last autumn, in a sizzling match live on television, to announce himself to England with a splendid strike. More recently, his last goal was also against United, in the Charity Shield.

The way his newly toned boxer's physique brushed past the bulk of Jaap Stam was a great advert for Arshne Wenger's vitamin regime. After a summer holiday spent watching his nation win the World Cup without him, Anelka appeared to come back bigger and better than ever. He was even spotted smiling - what better hint that the boy who was sullen and silent when he joined Arsenal was developing.

"I will never forget when he arrived," smiles Wenger. "He was completely lost. It's not easy at 17 1/2 to be transplanted to a different country. Personally, I think he has a lot of strength in his character just to make it - Paris is not far, he could have run back home. What Nicolas has done up to now is tremendous."

Petit suggests he does not have far to go to reach his full worth: "He only has to learn one thing: when you are a forward you have to react like a killer when you are in the box. The best goalscorers, like Ronaldo or Batistuta, don't think. Just boom! Like an assassin."

Surely you either have the instincts of a natural scorer or you don't? To the doubters, Wenger replies that Anelka has the mind of a predator when he has total confidence. And anyway, he maintains, goals are only the half of his game. "I don't want him to become a Ronaldo because I am not a fan of the way Ronaldo plays his game - just a goalscoring player. I would prefer Nicolas to be the player he was in Lens, a player who, through his passing and movement, can make everybody score."

Another goal, and a place in Roger Lemerre's team, await. It is just a question of when.
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Same hype as Anelka?
 
Ridiculous talent. So quick and decisive when he starts running at goal. If we're looking for another striker we'd be crazy to ignore him. We could have a scary frontline with plenty of pace.
 
He is everything I expected off Martial this season.

Problem is we don't use our players correctly and after one bad game your out this season (and swapped for a workhouse style player like Lingard).

His second goal was a unbelievablely cool finish 1 on 1, reminiscent of Brazilian Ronaldo.
 
dannyrhinos89 said:
No martial wasn't as good as this kid, I'd say mbappe is a level better than martial even now.

Where did I say martial is finished? Just Putting words in my mouth. I merely stated martial has been disappointing since joining us, which he has, obviously martial is talented too but tbh he's barely improved since he joined us.
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Which is complete rubbish given that he was one of our best players last season.
 
Josep Dowling said:
He is everything I expected off Martial this season.

Problem is we don't use our players correctly and after one bad game your out this season (and swapped for a workhouse style player like Lingard).

His second goal was a unbelievablely cool finish 1 on 1, reminiscent of Brazilian Ronaldo.
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Indeed. Mbappe would struggle badly here, too. He'd be the focus of a thousand threads questioning his price tag, ability and commitment.
 
Mbappe is better than Martial was but Mbappe is playing in a much better side.
 
I don't care for the Martial comparisons, who is merely going through the infamous second season syndrome. What I know is this kid is special, and when you have a kid as special as this you do whatever you can do buy him.

Though I would reckon if he is here next season he would have some troubles for a season- which is normal.
 
Martial either needs to learn to be a winger or be played up front, where he was lethal for Van Gaal just like this kid.
 
Martial and Dembele can easily play together. Easily. They don't do the same things.
 
Season 16/17

M'bappe: 21 goals in 34 games
Griezmann: 23 goals in 43 games
 
Downcast said:
Season 16/17

M'bappe: 21 goals in 34 games
Griezmann: 23 goals in 43 games
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One has been playing more of an out and out striker, and one is more of a second striker.

I advocate both regardless:lol:
 
MaxiPaxi said:
Same hype as Anelka?
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In terms of egos and relationship with football, Anelka and Mbappé are 2 very different players

Complex personalities >>>>>> Anelka = Benzema = Ben Arfa = Menez = Dalmat

Right mentality >>>>>> Mbappé = Dembélé = Henry = Trézéguet = Pirès
 
mu4c_20le said:
Martial either needs to learn to be a winger or be played up front, where he was lethal for Van Gaal just like this kid.
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Martial was in the UCL for us last season and never did what this kid is doing (against better sides than we faced last season must I add)
 
Downcast said:
In terms of egos and relationship with football, Anelka and Mbappé are 2 very different players

Complex personalities >>>>>> Anelka = Benzema = Ben Arfa = Menez = Dalmat

Right mentality >>>>>> Mbappé = Dembélé = Henry = Trézéguet = Pirès
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The comparisons with Anelka is probably more apt for Martial tbh
 
charlenefan said:
Martial was in the UCL for us last season and never did what this kid is doing (against better sides than we faced last season must I add)
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Martial also played in a team with the likes of Lingard, Rooney, Fellaini, Depay whereas Mbappe played in a team of players like Lemar, Silva, Fabinho under a manager who gives the attacking players a lot more freedom and in a 4-4-2 formation which is generally a lot better for attacking players to attack in.

Mbappe looks to have a better work ethic and mentality for sure but it seems like everyone's given up on Martial because of this season alone.
 
We will need one more season to properly assess Mbappe. Too many youngsters tend to go down a few levels after a breakout season. Martial, Rashford, Coman, Renato Sanches, Januzaj, etc just to name a few. He'll have to keep performing and improving for atleast one more season to be anywhere close to justifying the fees that are quoted for him.
 
Harrisamo said:
Do you disagree with the notion that Martial was one of our best players last season? How is that even up for dispute?
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jungledrums said:
Are you taking the piss?
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No that's why I said ok then.

I'm not hating on martial and I never was go read my first comment.

All I said was The vast majority of his time at United Martial has been disappointing and Mbappe even at this stage is a level above martial already. I'd love to see them in the same team though In a 2 striker formation.
 
He's going to be a world class player, but he would be best served to have another season or two in Monaco. The pressure and expectations in a giant club a la Madrid or us might be too much at that age.
 
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