Zidane and Ronaldo didn't aim to be cinematic, Meunier tells Mbappe

PSG and Belgium defender Thomas Meunier questioned Kylian Mbappe's "cinematic" attitude following France's World Cup semi-final win over Belgium and warned that his behaviour is not at the standard of former greats like Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane.

The 19-year old French forward has taken the World Cup by storm with his pace and skills. France went on to make the final of the World Cup after beating Meunier’s Belgium by 1-0 through a Samuel Umtiti header.

The frustration for Belgium was overwhelming as they were denied a chance to play their first ever World Cup final and captain Eden Hazard and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had earlier talked about the ‘negative tactics’ that allowed France to see out the game. French defence stood tall amidst pressure as Belgium failed to break through.

France were consistently able to break Belgium’s rhythm and Mbappe too was accused of trying to waste time during the final moments of the game.

Meunier, who missed the semifinal due to suspension, could not contain his frustration at Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Mbappe's time-wasting during the semi-final clash, telling the 19-year-old that he needs to eradicate that side of his game if he is to become an all-time great.

“In Paris, I have rarely seen him waste time the way he did towards the end against us," he told a press conference.

Meunier believes that his PSG teammate is not known for such behaviour and only did it because he was instructed to do so, perhaps insinuating that it was a concerted effort from the team management.

Also Read: French masterclass in time wasting hampered Belgium?

“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.”

Mbappe has been linked to a Real Madrid move and the Spanish club will be looking to fill the vacant space left by Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo. Meunier advised Mbappe to follow the footsteps of dignified players like Zidane and Ronaldo, who he is being compared to due to similar styles.

“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.

“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,” he concluded.