MUNICH: The legendary footballer Miroslav Klose, Germany’s all-time leading scorer at World Cups, feels that French star Kylian Mbappe who played a key role in France’s World Cup win can set a new record for goals scored at the tournament.
France forward Mbappe scored four times at the World Cup in Russia, including one in the final to help France lift the trophy for the second time, getting past Croatia.
“Considering Kylian’s age, he should be able to play in four more World Cups. He is likely to equal or better my record,” Klose told ‘Le Parisien’.
Klose scored 16 World Cup goals in total from 2002-14.
“To do this, France must remain competitive over that period. Right now, that is looking very likely,” he added.
Klose also said Mbappe will be in contention for the next Ballon d’Or award but will have to vie for the honour with fellow countryman Antoine Griezmann, Croatian Luka Modric and holder Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal.
“Logically, Kylian will be one of the main candidates,” Klose said.
“However, he will have some big competition from his teammate Griezmann, the best player of the World Cup Modric and Champions League winner Ronaldo.
“Many things can happen between now and October, though.”
Klose cast doubts over Mbappe’s future at Paris Saint Germain, also touting the teenaged star as one who is set to make it big.
“It is hard to say, but Kylian’s destiny is between his feet,” Klose said.
“If he manages to keep his current carefree attitude but is careful to not slack off, he will keep meeting and exceeding expectations. It is also hard to say if he will stay with PSG for a long time or not. However, everything is in place for him to create a trophy haul for club and country that will make many extremely envious.” (IANS)
