Thomas Meunier sees some parallels between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé. Although both are more than just outstanding footballers in his eyes, the PSG professional has the edge over his BVB teammate in one area.
Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé are among the names that could dominate world football in the years to come. Both the 21-year-old Norwegian and the 23-year-old Frenchman are already among the best in their field. Accordingly, BVB defender Thomas Meunier also sees some similarities.
As far as style is concerned, Haaland and Mbappé would differ, Meunier told the sports newspaper L’Équipe, “but both are complete athletes and not just footballers. […] They’re both incredibly fast, can jump high, are strong and strong with both feet.”
However, the Belgian added, he sees the star of Paris Saint-Germain ahead in one area: “I think Mbappé is technically better.” Haaland, on the other hand, is a “real number nine” and not a player you can put on the wing: “He’s a pure goalscorer.” Ultimately, both are “super good”, Meunier judged: “But Kylian has that certain extra.”
Meunier: That’s the difference between Haaland and Mbappé
Mbappé has an instinct similar to that of Brazil legend Ronaldo or Thierry Henry, “and that can make him a football legend,” said Meunier. And Haaland could also become a “very, very good player”, added the Belgian, who at the same time restricted: “I think the difference is that Erling always needs the collective to achieve his goals”. Mbappé, on the other hand, is able to do this without support.
“We’ll see it in Paris this year. If you take Kylian out of the team, they won’t be at the level they are now. Kylian saves Paris, he alone makes the difference,” Meunier enthused about his former teammate which he played together for a total of three years in the city of love.