Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand name only defender who can stop France attacker Kylian Mbappe in a 1v1
Former Manchester United defenders Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand believe that Kyle Walker is the only defender who can stop Kylian Mbappe in a one-on-one situation.
Walker made his first appearance for England at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in a 3-0 win against Wales on Monday (November 28).
The Manchester City defender has been working on his comeback from a groin injury. It saw him miss seven games for the Cityzens prior to the World Cup.
Neville and Ferdinand have claimed that Walker's comeback to fitness could prove to be a major boost for the Three Lions. The former England defensive duo have both claimed that Walker is the only defender who can challenge in-form Mbappe in a footrace.
Neville told Sky Sports, as quoted by Metro:
"I always thought we’d play three at the back in this tournament, but I don’t think we will now. I didn’t think the centre-back pairing would be strong enough, but John Stones and Harry Maguire are holding up."
He added:
"It’s whether what they’ve played against so far in the first three games is going to be anything like what they face moving forward, and I don’t think it is. It looks like a collision course waiting to happen doesn’t it? Mbappe versus Walker. We’ve got the perfect right-back to deal with Mbappe if anyone can – physical, pace, experience."
Little did Thierry Henry know that this kid named Kylian Mbappé would go on to break his records 😂 https://t.co/mCSK3Y3Ais
Ferdinand has also echoed Neville while talking about both players ahead of a potential quarter-final clash between France and England. On Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE, he said:
"For me, Kyle Walker is the only defender on the planet right now that will stand there and go to Mbappe: “Right, 1-v-1, let’s have a race." He will back himself too. We saw it in the Euros. He’s got the confidence to do that and he’s the only one capable of doing that I think."
France manager Didier Deschamps has rubbished claims regarding Kylian Mbappe's ego problem
France manager Didier Deschamps has denied claims that the 23-year-old forward has an ego problem. He said:
“Kylian Mbappé has no ego! Obviously, it is important, it is decisive. But I can assure you that he has always been part of a collective framework with this ability, through what he does, to be brought to light."
Kylian Mbappe keeps getting better 🔥 https://t.co/N4upXc9Nx1
The PSG man has been brilliant for France in their World Cup campaign so far, scoring thrice in two games. He scored once against Australia in their 4-1 win and scored both goals to help his side beat Denmark 2-1.
They have qualified for the Round of 16 stage.