Former India football stars believe France’s World Cup-winning striker will rock Europe’s continental competition, beginning on June 11 across Europe
Kylian Mbappe. Pic/AFP
Euro 2020 may be one of the most open editions of the continental championships to date, given there are many teams who are good enough to win it.
As per form and FIFA rankings, Belgium, England, Portugal, Spain and France are among the contenders, but when it comes to a heroic performance from an individual, the choice is unanimous—France’s World Cup-winning striker Kylian Mbappe, 22.
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Godfrey Pereira, Henry Menezes and Alex Ambrose
Former India vice-captain Godfrey Pereira felt that Mbappe’s success with both, his club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and country, shows his versatility and that will be key at this Euro. “We have seen many international stars, who do well for their clubs but fail to attain success with their national teams. But Mbappe has done well at both club and international levels. The way he led France’s strike force at the 2018 World Cup was remarkable. Then, PSG almost made it to the Champions League final again this season [losing in the semis]. I have no doubt that he will be the hero of this Euro,” Pereira told mid-day recently.
Former India goalkeeper Henry Menezes hailed Mbappe given his achievements as a teenager. “Mbappe became the only teenager after legendary Brazilian Pele to score in a FIFA World Cup final and that too after a gap of 60 years. Thereafter, he has scored 27 goals for his club in France’s Ligue 1 and eight goals in the prestigious UEFA Champions League. So, for me, this makes Mbappe the most feared and favourite player to take France back into the Euro final,” said Menezes.
France lost to Portugal in the final of the last edition of the tournament, back in 2016, and former India striker Alex Ambrose believes Mbappe will help deliver the title to the French men this time. “France have a young squad but they've got enough experience too and that’s the reason I feel they will go all the way this time. I believe Mbappe will be the man to watch. He will do something special,” said Ambrose.
Also Read: Euro 2020: Matter of pride, prestige for England manager Gareth Southgate
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