Former Real Madrid star picks Mbappe over Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or: ‘A player who can make the difference’

· MadridUniversal

Real Madrid are set to face Barcelona in La Liga’s first Clasico of the season. Jose Mourinho’s team travel to the Camp Nou hoping to halve the Catalan club’s lead at the top of the table. Meanwhile, there is another mini-battle developing within the marquee clash ahead of the Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday. Lamine […] The post Former Real Madrid star picks Mbappe over Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or: ‘A player who can make the difference’ appeared first on Madrid Universal .

Real Madrid are set to face Barcelona in La Liga’s first Clasico of the season. Jose Mourinho’s team travel to the Camp Nou hoping to halve the Catalan club’s lead at the top of the table.

Meanwhile, there is another mini-battle developing within the marquee clash ahead of the Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday.

Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe are in the running for the award and there is an anticipation on how the duo perform in the Clasico.

Now, former Real Madrid midfielder Steve McManaman has backed Mbappe over Barcelona sensation Lamine for the Ballon d’Or.

He has also predicted that Los Blancos will defeat Hansi Flick’s side in Sunday’s El Clasico encounter.

McManaman chooses Mbappe over Lamine Yamal

In an exclusive interview with 365Scores (h/t SPORT ), the former Real Madrid and Liverpool player weighed in on the debate between the two attackers.

> “I would choose Kylian Mbappe,” McManaman said when asked to pick between the two stars.

> “He is a player who can make the difference and score goals in the biggest matches, and he has enough experience to help him handle the pressure.”

However, the Englishman also acknowledged Yamal’s remarkable development.

> “Lamine Yamal is a very talented player and has performed at a high level despite his young age, but if I have to choose between the two right now, I would vote for Mbappe.”

Mbappe had an individual season of dreams despite the goals not contributing in the form of silverware for his team.

The numbers and the record-breaking World Cup campaign however show that Mbappe deserves the award more than anyone else.

McManaman predicts Real Madrid victory at Camp Nou

Turning to Sunday’s Clasico , McManaman expects a competitive encounter decided by small details.

> “I expect a very strong match because both teams have the ability to decide important games,” he explained.

He also believes the absence of Vinicius Jr. through suspension is a significant blow for Mourinho to deal with.

> “Mbappe has great abilities, of course, but they are two completely different players, and you cannot replace everything Vinicius offers simply by bringing another player into his position,” he explained.

Despite that concern, McManaman remains confident Real Madrid can secure a victory.

> “I hope Real Madrid win 3-1, but let’s see what happens. This match always goes beyond expectations.”

Real Madrid come into this game hoping to stop Barcelona’s perfect run in the league and keeping a check on their progress.

Going away and securing a win at the Camp Nou will be a huge statement from Mourinho’s men and it remains to be seen how they play tomorrow.

Read the original

People in this story

Related