Speaking exclusively with BOYLE Sports , football icon Emmanuel Petit has given his verdict on the superstars chasing greatness at the World Cup .
The 1998 World Cup winner has defended Jude Bellingham against his critics, explained what Kylian Mbappe must do to surpass Zinedine Zidane , and assessed a Golden Boot race packed with talent.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea man has also explained why Lionel Messi 's penalty struggles will not cost Argentina , and where Harry Kane would fit if he ever left Bayern Munich .
Bellingham
Why the Constant Criticism of Bellingham?
This is always the same criticism players receive when they behave differently. We've said that about Kylian Mbappe for years, and it's the same with Jude Bellingham . He's confident, and people mix that with arrogance. Sometimes it is arrogance, but I prefer to see a player with that level of confidence.
Bellingham is making great things happen on the pitch for England . It would be a danger for his image if he acted that way without producing results, but he delivers. He shows exactly what England needs: character, leadership, and personality. I prefer Bellingham to players who hide in the shadows. If England wins and Bellingham scores in the final, the conversation would be very different.
Are There Similarities Between Bellingham and Zidane?
Zinedine Zidane is one of the greatest in history. That is a very private club, and Bellingham is not at that point yet.
Mbappe's Rise
Can Mbappe Become the Greatest?
Kylian Mbappe is having a terrific World Cup . His behaviour on and off the pitch has changed; he's very close to the players and the manager, and his communication is great. The link with his teammates is excellent. It surprised me because I wondered how he would handle the pressure. Having not won with Real Madrid recently, the World Cup is his chance to shine and be in the Ballon d'Or conversation. The World Cup is his competition; every time he plays in it, he shines.
I understand people might find him arrogant, but I don't mind if they prove their value and take responsibility. He showed leadership after the game against Paraguay . He was the first to support Didier Deschamps during a difficult personal time. Seeing the videos of the national team, he is mixing with everyone and laughing; it is important to be a leader off the pitch as well. If he wins the World Cup again, that would be a great achievement. In terms of titles, he would even surpass Zidane by winning two.
I think that would be something different than Zidane because he failed to win a second World Cup . Most French people love Zidane . I'm not sure if Mbappe has that same universal love yet, but if he wins the World Cup and keeps doing what he's doing, his image will change. When I say he won't be far from Zidane , I think he would be winning the World Cup twice. Scoring so many goals and being so important, he could even be seen as ahead of Zidane .
The Golden Boot
Who Will Win the Golden Boot?
The Golden Boot will be tough because even when Messi misses a penalty, he scores. When I see the chances Mbappe has had, he should have scored more goals too, so it is hard to predict.
We have four strikers competing for the Golden Boot : Kane , Haaland , Mbappe , and Messi . I would say the winner will likely be the one who wins the World Cup , as you have a better chance to score in those final games.
Messi & Kane
Will Messi's Penalty Struggles Cost Argentina?
Who's gonna take the responsibility for that? Do you think a teammate is going to tell Messi they should take the penalty? No. Messi is different. Even when he misses, he makes up for it by scoring other goals and provides assists. Many players would crumble after a miss, but he has huge belief and talent.
Everybody trusts him. He lost balls during the game, but his teammates don't say anything to him because they know he will produce something to make up for it.
Would Kane Be Tempted by Barcelona or the Premier League?
Harry Kane and Erling Haaland don't play the same way. Kane likes to drop back and be the link with the strikers; he likes to play on the floor and has great movement. His quality on the pitch is different; he is the link with the strikers. He likes to play on the floor. He likes to get great movement.
I think I'd prefer to see Harry Kane at Barcelona , but he is having a great time at Bayern Munich . Why should he leave? If he did want to move, his qualities would fit perfectly in a Barcelona team.
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