Kylian Mbappe has been defended from criticism by Michel Platini, who has called the Real Madrid star a "phenomenon" after his stunning debut season.
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- Mbappe has stunning debut Madrid season
- Frenchman still receives criticism
- Branded a "phenomenon" by French icon
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WHAT HAPPENED?
France legend Platini has heaped praise on Mbappe – who scored 43 goals in all competitions in his first season on Real Madrid's books – while saying he needs to play his own game, rather than "playing like Lionel Messi".
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- AFP
WHAT PLATINI SAID
He said, via RMC Sport: "Mbappe is a phenomenon. He's a striker who scores. Don't ask him to play like Messi, [Luka] Modric, Platini, or [Zinedine] Zidane. He's a striker. A centre forward, not a centre forward, I don't understand what the new coaches think of that. He's a striker who scores. That's the most important thing. Then, you have to know one thing: either you build a team for him, or you build a team to play well. That's the difficulty."
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Mbappe was La Liga's top scorer with 31 goals this season, and he won the European Golden Shoe as well. The 26-year-old was heavily criticised earlier on this term for his performances and apparent lack of goals. However, after finding his feet, he is back to being a Ballon d'Or contender.
- Getty Images
WHAT NEXT?
Mbappe will hope to be amongst the goals when France play their Nations League semi-final against Spain on June 5. If they win that, a final against Germany or Portugal awaits three days later.
