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Kylian Mbappe is 'nearest thing to Ronaldo' - Rio Ferdinand raves about PSG sensation
KYLIAN MBAPPE is the closest thing to Brazil legend Ronaldo, claims former England defender Rio Ferdinand.
Ferdinand was speaking ahead of Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League last-16 first-leg clash at Manchester United.
Mbappe started the match in a central striker role due to the absence of Edinson Cavani and Neymar through injury.
Ahead of the game the 20-year-old had scored 22 goals in 27 appearances in all competitions this season.
But it is not just his goalscoring ability that impresses Ferdinand about the France World Cup winner.
I think he is the nearest thing I’ve seen to Ronaldo, the Brazilian one
The BT Sport pundit says Mbappe’s first touch is one thing that sets him apart from others.
And he paid him the ultimate compliment by comparing him to the great Ronaldo.
“This is what you come to watch,” Ferdinand said of the PSG star.
“We’re sitting in here saying ‘oh my god, I can’t wait to see this boy’.
“I think he is the nearest thing I’ve seen to Ronaldo, the Brazilian one.
“If you watch these clips here, every single clip his first touch is what sets him apart.
“Forget about his pace, his skills, his goals, but his first touch.
“Look at this, takes the defender out of the game.
“This is what sets up all of these opportunities, his first touch.
“And for a kid so young to have this already…
“You can’t see pressure when it’s him, he doesn’t feel pressure. He won the World Cup at 19 years old.
“He doesn’t know about pressure, he goes out there like he’s playing football in his backyard. He’s ridiculous.”