Liberia football legend, George Weah, has dismissed comparisons between France forward Kylian Mbappe and Spain winger Lamine Yamal, saying the Real Madrid star is operating at a much higher level.
Speaking on Spanish television programme El Chiringuito TV during the ongoing FIFA World Cup, the former Ballon d’Or winner described Mbappe as a “phenomenon” and urged observers not to compare him with the teenage Barcelona winger.
Weah said Yamal is still developing and should be allowed to continue his progress without being measured against one of world football’s most established players.
“Lamine Yamal is a young player. You don’t want to compare him with Mbappe.
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“Mbappe is a phenomenon. Yamal is just growing. I just hope that Yamal continues his career [in this fashion]. But you don’t compare [him] with Mbappe. Everybody knows that Mbappe is far away.”
Mbappe has been one of France’s standout performers at the tournament, scoring six goals so far to help Les Bleus progress through the competition.
Weah watched the France captain score twice in a 3-0 victory over Sweden at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Mbappe also struck the post and had another goal ruled out for offside.
“He’s a phenomenon. He’s truly a very good player and a very good goalscorer,” Weah said.
While Yamal has continued to attract attention with his performances for Spain, Weah stressed that the Barcelona winger remains at an early stage of his career.
“Lamine Yamal is just a young boy, as you know. You shouldn’t compare him to Mbappe,” Weah said.
“Mbappe is a phenomenon, while Lamine is still developing and growing. All I hope is that Lamine continues on his path.”
France and Spain could meet in the semi-finals of the World Cup if both teams progress through the knockout rounds, setting up a potential encounter between Mbappe and Yamal.
