Kylian Mbappé and Luka Modrić will stand on opposite sides this evening as France takes on Croatia in the second leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-final at the Stade de France. Although the Real Madrid teammates will be rivals on the field, the Croatian veteran had glowing remarks for the French captain in a recent interview with Téléfoot.
After the expiration of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappé made a high-profile move to Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer. Since then, he has shared the pitch with Modrić on 37 occasions, leaving a notable impression on the experienced midfielder.
Speaking about Mbappé’s qualities, Modrić said, “On Kylian as a footballer, there is nothing more to say – he is one of the best players in the world.” Having played alongside football greats like Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Toni Kroos, and Karim Benzema, Modrić’s praise carries significant weight.
Beyond his on-field talents, Modrić was particularly impressed by Mbappé’s demeanor. “What impresses me the most about him is his personality. He is an incredible boy, very humble, always ready to crack a joke, to help his teammates. He is calm,” said the Croatian captain.
Despite scoring over 30 goals in his first season with Real Madrid, Mbappé has faced criticism. Modrić dismissed the doubts, emphasizing the forward’s consistent excellence. “Kylian, from the outside, you can say that it hasn’t been his best season, but he still has over 30 goals. Imagine if he raises his level!” he added.
Although Modrić holds Mbappé in high regard, his focus will be on leading Croatia to a crucial victory tonight. With both players aiming for victory, the Stade de France is set for an intense showdown.
