Deschamps defends Mbappe after criticism of work-rate | OneFootball

Didier Deschamps has defended Kylian Mbappe’s work-rate debate with a blunt message: "If you want him to run a minimum of 11km per game, don’t bother because he won’t do it."

Speaking to Cadena SER, he said: "I think it’s not like that, even if some run less than others."

Over the last 18 months there has been sustained debate about Real Madrid’s distances covered, with Mbappe often singled out among the lowest.

He has 37 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions this season and remains an untouchable for head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, yet his work off the ball drew growing scrutiny, especially late in Xabi Alonso’s time in charge.

Deschamps added: "Kylian, whether you like it or not, young people love him. You have the image of a selfish, individualistic guy, and it’s true that a striker must also be selfish, but I can assure you that in the functioning of the French national team he behaves like a captain."

For Madrid, pressing starts from the forwards, and if Mbappe and Vinicius Junior struggle in that phase, it becomes harder for the rest to compensate.

Source: Football Espana