After Captain Kylian Mbappe’s Controversial Decision, Christian Pulisic’s Teammate Comes in Defense

French captain Kylian Mbappe has been thrust into the spotlight of the French media recently. The PSG forward was instrumental in France’s huge 2-1 win over the Netherlands in their Euro 2024 qualifiers last week, scoring both goals in a statement win. However, this week the French national team captain Mbappe skipped his press conference obligations ahead of France’s friendly against Scotland. Subsequently, his teammate has spoken to the media defending the PSG forward.

Mbappe was on a 3-game goal drought for his club PSG and was heavily criticized in the media following PSG’s 4-1 loss to English club Newcastle in the Champions League. But since then, Mbappe responded in emphatic style by scoring twice against the Netherlands. Ahead of France’s game game against Scotland France goalkeeper and Christian Pulisic’s AC Milan teammate has responded to the media’s criticism of Mbappe dubbing him “world-class”.

France and AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan leaps to defense of Kylian Mbappe

As a report in French Football Weekly states, AC Milan and France goalkeeper Mike Maignan praised his fellow countryman and national team captain Mbappe in a recent conversation with the French press. Speaking to the media, Maignan said, “He’s a world-class player, he’s one of the best players in the world today. Training with this style of players is beneficial because you learn every day. These are players who create at all times.”

These comments come shortly on the eve of France’s friendly match against Scotland at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy later today. France maintained their 100% win record in the Euro 2024 qualifiers with Mbappe as captain after their 2-1 win over the Netherlands. As it stands, France are top of Group B racking up maximum points in their qualifiers so far with 18 points from 6 games.

Meanwhile, the French press and media took a swift U-turn from their heavy criticism of Mbappe following his emphatic brace against a full-strength Dutch team, as the PSG star broke Michel Platini’s goal-scoring record for France.

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Mbappe breaks Michel Platini’s goal-scoring record for France after brace vs Netherlands

Mbappe’s 2-goal showing against a formidable Netherlands side in their Euro 2024 qualifier arguably put all the critics to rest as the Frenchman showed his deadly finishing ability.

The PSG forward showed his quality in front of the goal, especially for his 2nd goal on the night which was a stunning curling strike from outside the box. Mbappe struck first time after a bouncing ball was played into his path following a quick one-two as his shot flew into the Dutch net.

Mbappe’s 2 goals against the Netherlands catapulted him into 4th in the list of France’s all-time highest goal scorers. The PSG star has now scored 42 goals for France in 72 matches, surpassing French legend Michel Platini’s total of 41 goals in 72 games. Other names on the list include Olivier Giroud, who is 1st with 54 goals. He is followed by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry with 51 and Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann who has 44 goals.

As it stands, Mbappe is just 3 goals shy of overtaking Griezmann but he is still 12 goals behind Giroud. However, given that Mbappe is only 24 at the moment, he has the bulk of his career left to become France’s all-time leading scorer in the coming decade. But for now, all eyes will be on the Scotland friendly.

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