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Kylian Mbappe is similar to George Best - Brian Kerr

Kylian Mbappe's presence is similar to what George Best's was, says Brian Kerr.



Former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr joined Joe Molloy to discuss the World Cup and Kylian Mbappe.

Kylian Mbappe is the undeniable star of this World Cup.

Mbappe scored one against Australia, two against Denmark and has been heavily involved in most France attacks. He is playing on his preferred left wing. Everything France do starts with him and if the defence overloads to stop him, the ball is moved to another area to attack.

Even while he has been game-planned against and well-marshalled in the first two games, he's still produced quality moments. Mbappe's pace and power is too much for his opponents. While his technique and intelligence sets him up to find space in different spots.

Brian Kerr believes that Mbappe is the only star player to full show up so far in the World Cup. Other big names have scored goals, but Mbappe threatens to do something everytime he touches the ball.

It reminds Kerr of watching George Best when he was a child.

"There's certainly that [consistency] with Mbappe now," Kerr said.

"And that bit of expectancy, I remember it as a kid about George Best. Going to see George Best playing and that expectation, what will he do, will he do it? He invariably did it. He'd run with it, he'd dribble, he'd beat fellas when fellas were swinging boots at him and all that.

"Invariably he did something magical that you left the game going 'I'd love to be able to do what George best did you know.' Mbappe is that way at the minute. Every time he's got the ball in the two games so far something has happened. He's not always picked the right ball or got the finish, but he's been sensational."

France play Tunisia on Wednesday in their final group game. Mbappe doesn't need to play. France are already on six points. But he is the favourite for the golden boot at this stage, so another start might be his preference.

At just 23 years of age in his second World Cup, Mbappe has his sights set on long-term records, not just winning this tournament. And since Erling Haaland will be lucky to play in one World Cup, he has no real competition in that regard.

George Best never played in a World Cup. Haaland can potentially challenge him as the best player to never play in the tournament.

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France George Best Kylian Mbappe World Cup