Arsenal: Kylian Mbappe Echoing Past Greats

Arsenal target Kylian Mbappe continues to impress for Monaco. Martin Keown has likened him to former greats Nicolas Anelka and Thierry Henry.

The summer transfer is on its way and Arsenal are in need of change. While the nature of that change is a topic of hot debate – some argue it should be the manager, others the board, others the playing staff – what cannot be doubted is that change is needed.

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Whether Arsene Wenger does indeed remain as the manager or not, rumours are beginning to circle regarding the possible players that could be brought to the Emirates to brighten up a stagnating and rotting squad.

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One of the more prominent and exciting names to be linked with a move is Kylian Mbappe. The Monaco forward has now scored 21 goals in just 20 games after two more in the surprise 3-2 away win over Borussia Dortmund and is being touted as a future superstar having enjoyed such vast success at only 18 years of age. And now many are praising his quality, comparing him to past greats and speculating about his bright future. The latest to do so is Martin Keown. In his Daily Mail column, Keown heralded Mbappe’s qualities:

"“Mbappe is ruthless. His finish last night [on Wednesday] was emphatic. Henry liked that textbook finish into the corner but I feel Mbappe may have an even greater range to his finishing We had Anelka at Arsenal when he was 17 and it is truly amazing when you see someone so talented that young. I get the same feeling watching Mbappe.”"

The comparison to Thierry Henry is one that Mbappe has received throughout his young career. Nicolas Anelka is another comparable player, more the age of his success than their style of play. Anelka was phenomenal as a sharp shooting, pacy striker, spearheading the Arsenal attack under Wenger and there has been a desire to replicate the same speed of play that was attributed to their game in the late ’90s.

And it is an approach that Mbappe has the quality to rekindle. The ability that he has to maintain his speed while carrying the ball is a rare trait, one that can inspire pace in a side’s attacks. Henry had a similar ability. So often, he would manhandle the team into a blistering attacking performance thanks to one piercing, driving dribble.

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Mbappe has that similar quality. He echoes the greatness of Arsenal striker’s past and could well bring the same success to the future. What an exciting season he would indeed be.