Barcelona legend defends Kylian Mbappé: ‘He’ll make history at Real Madrid’ | OneFootball

Former Barcelona star Rivaldo has on Thursday thrown his backing behind Real Madrid frontman Kylian Mbappé.

This comes amid ongoing criticism of the France international, for his start to life in Spain.

Mbappé, for his part, sealed his long-awaited move to Real Madrid during the summer, after allowing his contract with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain to expire.

The France international has since managed a more than solid record of eight goals and two assists in 13 appearances across all competitions.

And yet, amid sky-high expectations, Mbappé has nevertheless been subjected to regular condemnation from across the Spanish football landscape.

One individual, though, in no two minds when it comes to the long-term prospects of the 25-year-old in the colours of Real Madrid, comes in the form of Rivaldo.

Speaking in an interview with Marca on Thursday, ahead of this weekend’s first Clásico of the campaign, ex-Barcelona standout Rivaldo was drawn on Mbappé’s efforts in La Liga thus far.

And the Ballon d’Or winner showed no hesitation in jumping to the defence of the Frenchman, assuring:

”Sometimes it takes a while to adapt. But Kylian is a great player and he will surely make history at Madrid. He is very good and has already scored several goals. He is not yet the Mbappé that all the fans would like, but you have to bear in mind that we are at the beginning and he has just arrived. He will be a very important player and will go down in Madrid’s history.”

Conor Laird – GSFN