World Cup 2018: Kylian Mbappe needs to avoid ‘bad influences’ if he is to become world’s best, says PSG team-mate Thomas Meunier
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN star Thomas Meunier has hit out at team-mate Kylian Mbappe and told the forward to cut-out his “cinematic” attitude in order for him to be considered a great.
Belgian defender Meunier was suspended for his country’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Mbappe’s France on Tuesday.
Belgium now face England tomorrow in the third place play-off.
However, speaking ahead of the game, Meunier struggled to contain his frustration over his 19-year-old club-mate Mbappe time-wasting antics three days ago.
And the right-back, 26, insists the striker will not be considered along with the best until he stops his dark arts.
Meunier said: "In Paris, I have rarely seen him waste time the way he did towards the end against us.
"I am sure he was instructed to do that. Kylian is super talented and a future superstar.
"I hope that he is not being badly influenced."
Meunier, who was on the bench for Belgium’s 1-0 win over the Three Lions in the group stage, added: "If players like Zinedine Zidane or Ronaldo became legends with Real Madrid back in the day, it is because they played with pride and desire on the pitch.
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"Zidane and Ronaldo's aims were not to be cinematic or to do things like that.
"They have always been rightly respected because of their footballing ability and attitude.
"Over the years, as he matures, Kylian will probably understand that attitude is an important part of becoming a legend."