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 seasonFrenchman still receives criticismBranded a "phenomenon" by French iconFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱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".
AdvertisementAFPWHAT 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."
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 ImagesWHAT 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.