As talks on his contract renewal with Paris Saint-Germain continue, Kylian Mbappe has been hailed by coach Mauricio Pochettino, who said the 22-year-old is among the “best in the world” and can surpass the success of Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.
When asked if Mbappe could succeed Messi and Ronaldo at the top of the sport, Pochettino said, “He has the potential. He lacks nothing but time.”
“We cannot speed up the process. I think he’s already among the best in the world.
“It will take time for him to flesh out his CV, to get the recognition he deserves and will get,” Pochettino added.
Mbappe, one of the world’s most expensive players, will be out of contract with the Ligue 1 champions in June next year. Last week, PSG said that discussions with the France international are still in progress.
He was also part of the France national team that won the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The star striker, who has been in great form, scored twice in his side’s 4-0 victory over Dijon this weekend. Last month, Mbappe’s hat-trick powered PSG to 4-1 win at Camp Nou in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Barcelona.
PSG are currently preparing for the second leg of the last 16 that will take place on March 10. However, Pochettino has cautioned his side, saying “anything” can happen, but the team will be prepared.
“In football, anything is possible. The most incredible things can happen, both positive and negative,” Pochettino said.
“Sometimes the unthinkable can happen. But we are positive. We prepare every game the same way, always thinking that we have to win yet another time to go to the next round.”
