By Enitan Abdultawab
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has defended his performances while rejecting comparisons between himself and Barcelona’s Raphinha and Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé.
Mbappe spoke ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Inter, where he addressed criticism of his defensive contribution and suggestions that he should press more like Dembélé and Raphinha.
Responding to the comparison, the France international said he could simply point to his superior goal-scoring record.
“If I wanted to answer stupidly, I would tell you that I score more goals than the players you mentioned, and therefore they need to score more to be like me,” Mbappe said.
However, the Real Madrid star quickly adopted a more measured tone, admitting that he still has areas of his game that need improvement.
“But I am intelligent, so I will tell you that I need to improve. However, I don’t like comparisons, because I do many things that others don’t do,” he added.
Mbappe insisted that every player has different qualities and responsibilities, arguing that comparing individuals can become an endless debate.
“We all need to improve, and this is natural for any player. Everyone is different, and we must do things intelligently. I don’t like comparisons, as it is an endless debate,” he said.
The forward also discussed his relationship with Real Madrid teammate Vinícius Júnior amid continued debate over how effectively the pair play together.
According to Mbappe, the duo remain focused on the same objective despite outside opinions.
“We have the same goal, which is to win titles. We can’t control people’s opinions, and we are always trying to improve,” he said.
On working under new Real Madrid coach José Mourinho, Mbappe praised the Portuguese manager’s ability to inspire players and instil a winning mentality.
“Mourinho is someone who knows how to win, and how to transmit this mentality to those around him,” Mbappe said.
“He gives motivation to the entire club and to his group, and the most important thing is winning matches.”
Mbappe was also asked about his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or and whether he considers himself the best player in the world.
The 27-year-old responded confidently, saying he always believes he belongs at the top, while
\acknowledging that the final decision rests with the journalists who vote for the award.
“I always feel that way, but this is very personal. Everyone has their own opinion, some will say yes and others will say no,” he said.
Mbappe also dismissed the idea that scoring goals and winning trophies should be treated as separate objectives after Mourinho said he would prefer his striker to score 40 goals and win titles rather than score 60 without trophies.
“Of course I want to win titles, but it isn’t a choice between the two. You have to do both: score goals and win titles,” Mbappe said.
The Frenchman will now turn his attention to Real Madrid’s Champions League meeting with Inter as he continues his pursuit of the European title that remains missing from his career honours.
Vanguard News
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