Thierry Henry has backed Arsenal target Kylian Mbappe for a bright future in the game
According to RMC Sport, Thierry Henry feels the 18-year old has what it takes to succeed at the highest level and has backed him to rise to the top. Henry also refused to compare the youngster to himself, but did admit that he was very impressed by what he had seen so far and that Mbappe caught his eye the very first time he saw him.
“I do not compare, but having met him, I saw he was calm, respectful, and someone who wants to learn,” Henry said. “When I first saw him play against Tottenham in the Europa League, as soon as I saw him, I knew he was a player. I said,‘who is he?’”
“At 16 and a half [years old], he was asking for the ball, he could dribble, he was having shots, he was winning the ball back and he loved the ball. The desire was there. Mbappe has something special, let’s be honest. If he keeps his head on his shoulders, it will come on its own.”
Arsene Wenger – the man who turned Thierry Henry’s career around completely – himself admitted that he saw similarities between the two Frenchmen. Wenger also admitted that Arsenal were keeping a close eye on Mbappe’s progress and Arsenal even tried to sign him before he extended his contract with Monaco.
Mbappe became Monaco’s youngest player and youngest scorer last season – breaking records that were held by none other than Thierry Henry himself. Having scored 1 goal and picked up 1 goal and 1 assists in 11 appearances last season – 9 of which came as a substitute – Mbappe has already surpassed that tally this season after being given a more prominent role.
The striker has already made 16 appearances in the league this season – 9 as a substitute – and has scored an impressive 4 goals and picked up 6 assists on the way. Mbappe has played a part in Monaco’s fine form which has seen them maintain their lead at the top of the table ahead of perennial favourites Paris Saint-Germain.
A fast, technically gifted player, Mbappe has also shown that there is a lot more to him than goals. This season, the forward is registering an average of 2.38 chances created and 1.53 key passes per 90 minutes, according to Squawka. Those are hugely impressive statistics for an 18-year old.
The fact that Mbappe has already received the backing of both Thierry Henry and Arsene Wenger says it all, and if the youngster continues to impress the way he has it is very likely that Arsenal will attempt to sign him once more this summer.
