Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Kylian Mbappe: France star is like Usain Bolt, what he does is ILLEGAL - Rio Ferdinand
KYLIAN MBAPPE has been compared to eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt by Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand.
World Cup: Ferdinand praises for wonder-kid Mbappe
Ferdinand was speaking ahead of France’s World Cup semi-final against Belgium.
Mbappe started for Didier Deschamps’ side as they looked to reach Sunday’s showpiece final.
Ferdinand and fellow BBC pundits Alan Shearer and Jurgen Klinsmann were analysing Mbappe’s performance so far in the World Cup.
And Ferdinand claimed the speed of Mbappe is almost “illegal” in footballing terms.
Belgium vs France LIVE: World Cup semi-final updates
That’s Usain Bolt. That’s illegal what he does
“That’s Usain Bolt,” he said.
“That’s illegal what he does. He stands people up and he’s just off.
“It’s alright being quick, we’ve all come across players that are really, really quick.
“But there are players that are quick and know when to run and time their runs so well.”
Mbappe scores a blinder for Paris St-Germain FC
Mbappe has scored three goals so far at the World Cup.
He became the first teenager since Pele to score twice in a knockout match in the tournament when he netted a brace against Argentina.
And Ferdinand praised the forward at half time, with the scores locked at 0-0.
“Kylian Mbappe is just so quick. Whatever they are feeding him, I want some of it,” he said.
“There is a good connection between him and Paul Pogba, whenever the Manchester United man gets the ball, Mbappe is on his bike.”