Kylian Mbappe is a disruptor who plays a dangerous game that does not suit the number 10 shirt

 

The writing was on the wall for Kylian Mbappe months before PSG left for Japan without him; he has long threatened to play rule when he ends his contract. He will surely use the offer from Saudi Arabia as a threat to get to Real Madrid, which will come when PSG are so desperate to sell that they will accept any reasonable offer.

But let's stop. Let's look at the numbers. They are just ridiculous. Al-Hilal submitted an offer of 300 million euros to PSG and also 700 million euros to the player - if we take a two-month holiday, that's 70 million euros a month. Mbappe is a footballer and I strongly believe he knows this is a bad move.

Mbappe is one of the best players in the world right now. He is also a World Cup winner. In my last book, Number 10: More than a Number, More than a Shirt, when I had to put together a squad of 18 players capable of wearing the number 10 shirt, I left him out, purely because of his character and mentality.

It's a disruptor. He undoubtedly has the ability and game to play the role of a 10, but there has to be something more to the wearer of the iconic shirt. They need to be a 100% team player who can single-handedly turn games around by dragging their team over the line and giving selflessly for their club and nation.

I suspected he would lay down the tools and start a revolution until he got his way. I always wanted to be a cartoonist and if I had the chance I would draw baby Mbappe in the pram throwing his very expensive toys out of it.

Like other French legends like Michel Platini, Eric Cantona and Nicolas Anelka, he has a strong will, a big personality and knows his mind and value. He is quite demanding where he plays on either side (he supports the striker on the left), but he is a negative in the dressing room.

One of the few coaches he can actually play under is his national boss Didier Deschamps. It allows him to play forward, not worry about defending and actually encourages it. Deschamps is also smart, a pragmatist; goals to win matches.

He's great, but he can't or doesn't want to defend. Not a team player. He doesn't monitor and support his full backs enough. Instead of chasing money, Mbappe's "people" might consider sitting down and talking, not about the right deal or club, but about the right coach.

For the outsider, it looks like he wants his move to Madrid and if that doesn't happen, he's ready to finish his contract in Saudi Arabia before swinging by the Bernabeu for the 2024/25 season. What kind of club would Madrid be if they accepted it? In Madrid, Vinicius Paixao de Oliveira Junior is in his place. Bude Vini Jr. ready to make it work? Will it matter?

His exclusion from Number 10 is sweetened with a polite apology at the outset; I just felt he was too young and the people around him were failing in their care or maybe he was too capricious to handle it.

There was also something about his character and attitude that made me think it was going to end one of two ways. Either he will become another who promised so much and failed to deliver, or he will get away with it like Johan Cruyff at Ajax. In 1973, Cruyff held on and won to get the move he wanted to Barcelona when Ajax wanted to sell him to Real Madrid. Mbappé is at this level of power, but the gamble is huge.

On a tangent (if you read my books, you'll know that's what I do), one thing we're sure of - like all good football fans - is that the game is over. With this offer, football has officially collapsed.

By pure chance I was watching a program on BBC Scotland called Icons of Football and it featured former Celtic star Charlie Nicholas. Nicholas played brilliantly at the time and was regarded as the best player the club had produced since Kenny Dalglish. He attracted serious interest from Liverpool and Arsenal. Knowing that his teammate Frank McGarvey was earning over £300 a week, Nicholas thought he had to give him a raise; he was only earning £90 a week and was offered a £10 rise. He came to Arsenal for £3,000 a week.

Mbappe is a modern player in a game that feels like it is spinning out of control. He is a bona fide superstar. You can clearly see that he thinks he deserves his place in Madrid after six years at PSG. He will leave as the club's record goalscorer, but he will leave with a kick up the ass rather than a hug.

Who knows how this will turn out? By the time I finish this sentence, he could be in an Al-Hilal shirt. My instinct is that he is playing a dangerous game and has no intention of heading to Saudi Arabia. Real Madrid will probably hold out and get a cut price only to take him off the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.

But he still doesn't make my book even though he won the world cup for France in that trick.

A football prodigy, Kylian Mbappe has won the hearts of fans around the world with his electrifying pace, lethal scoring ability and exceptional skills. However, his style of play has sparked debate as to whether he is truly suited to the revered number 10 shirt. In this article, we delve into the reasons why Mbappe is seen as a disruptor on the pitch and explore whether this approach is suitable for the legendary number 10 shirt. 10.

Unconventional game style:

Mbappe's style of play is a departure from the traditional No.10 role, which is often associated with creative playmaking and organizing the team's attacks. Instead, Mbappe relies heavily on his lightning speed and directness to penetrate defences, making him a unique force on the pitch.

Breach of defensive lines:

The young Frenchman's explosive acceleration and agility make him a nightmare for defenders to deal with. His ability to disrupt defensive lines with his incisive runs and clever moves creates plenty of scoring opportunities for him and his teammates.

Ability to score goals:

Mbappe's remarkable ability to score goals sets him apart from many other players despite his young age. His goalscoring record is impressive and he has consistently been the top goalscorer for club and country, proving that his approach is paying off.

Challenging the Traditional Role #10:

As football has evolved, so has the concept of the traditional No. 10 role. Modern coaches look for versatility and adaptability in players, and Mbappe embodies these qualities. While he may not fit the classic mold of a playmaker, his impact on the game cannot be denied.

Critics and supporters:

Critics say Mbappe's style lacks the finesse and elegance traditionally associated with the number 10 shirt. They question whether his direct approach is in keeping with the historic significance of the number. However, his supporters say his disruptive play brings a new dimension to the game and redefines the role of a striker.

Adopting changes and innovations:

Football, like any sport, thrives on innovation and evolution. Mbappe's style of play challenges convention and embraces change, which is essential to the growth and relevance of the sport in the modern era.

Kylian Mbappe's status as a disruptor playing a dangerous game is undeniable. While his unconventional style may not be in line with traditional expectations of the No.10 shirt, he undeniably brings a new level of excitement and dynamism to the pitch. As football continues to evolve, players like Mbappe are pushing boundaries, redefining positions and inspiring the next generation of footballers. Whether you see him as a rebel or a revolutionary, one thing remains certain: Kylian Mbappe is leaving an indelible mark on the beautiful game.

In the world of football, Kylian Mbappe has established himself as a disruptive force, leaving opponents in awe of his skills and speed. However, when he dons the iconic number 10 shirt, questions arise as to whether he is playing a dangerous game that undermines the legacy associated with the revered number. In this article, we delve into the exciting yet concerning style of play Mbappe exhibits and examine whether he truly lives up to the No.10 tradition.

Rise of the Disruptor:

Kylian Mbappe's meteoric rise from promising talent to global sensation is testament to his remarkable ability on the pitch. With unrivaled pace, technical finesse and a keen eye for goal, he redefined the forward position and broke records. His disruptive style of play has made him a force to be reckoned with, but does it come at a price?

Iconic shirt #10:

The number 10 shirt has long been associated with legends who mesmerized the football world with their artistic talent, vision and playing ability. The likes of Pele, Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi have donned this iconic number, which symbolizes a deep connection to the essence of football. When Mbappe dons this revered jersey, the weight of expectation is immense.

Playing on the edge:

Mbappe's playing style often borders on recklessness, making bold moves that can either dazzle the crowd or threaten his team's success. His daring dribbling and willingness to take on multiple defenders led to incredible moments, but also frequent injuries and substitutions. Is this level of risk-taking appropriate for a player wearing the No.10 jersey?

Responsibility and leadership:

The number 10 shirt is not all about skill and showmanship; carries with it the mantle of responsibility and leadership. Players who wear this number are expected to inspire their teammates, dictate the flow of the game and carry the team on their shoulders. While Mbappe is undeniably talented, does he display the necessary leadership qualities to honor the legacy of the number 10 shirt?

Impact on team dynamics:

While Mbappe's disruptive style of play can bring moments of brilliance, it also raises concerns about his impact on team dynamics. Football is a team sport and individual brilliance must be used in the service of the collective. Does Mbappe's approach match the collaborative spirit needed to excel in the No.10 role?

Achieving balance:

As Kylian Mbappe continues to develop as a player, finding the right balance between disruption and responsibility is key. Embracing his unique style while recognizing the significance of the number 10 shirt could unlock a new dimension to his game and elevate him to an all-time high.

That Kylian Mbappe has emerged as a disruptive force in football is undeniable, but as he dons the number 10 shirt, the stakes are higher than ever. Balancing his audacity with the responsibility that comes with wearing the revered jersey will define his legacy. Whether he will be remembered as a true No.10 and a game-changer or a dangerous game-playing disruptor remains to be seen. Only time will tell if he can live up to the legacy of the iconic number while maintaining his exciting style of play