Blaise Matuidi: “Kylian Mbappé is capable of leading everyone with him to get what he wants.” | OneFootball

In an interview with Le Parisien, France midfielder Blaise Matuidi believes that Kylian Mbappé has the potential to lead Paris Saint-Germain and France to great success but that the decision to leave or stay at PSG is up to the Frenchman.

As France prepares to take on the Netherlands on Friday, with Mbappé set lead the team as captain following yesterday’s appointment by Didier Deschamps, Matuidi believes that the 24-year-old must embrace his role as a leader to drive PSG to greater heights.

“He’s capable of taking everyone with him to achieve what he wants,” Matuidi said. “He can do it with Paris. He just needs to step up as a leader, which he’s already starting to do, and take even more responsibility to bring the whole club with him.”

Matuidi’s comments come amid ongoing speculation about Mbappé’s future at PSG, with the young striker yet to sign a contract extension beyond the end of next season.

However, Matuidi believes that Mbappé’s decision to leave or stay is entirely up to him. “He said he’s very happy at PSG,” Matuidi added. “Of course, he’s frustrated because he’s a champion who wants to win everything. But he has the ability to lead and inspire his team to achieve great things.”

France will face the Netherlands on Friday before taking on Ireland on Monday, with Mbappé set to play a key role as captain in both matches as Les Bleus continue their preparations for the upcoming EURO 2024.

GFFN | George Boxall