Former France star: Mbappe has not reached the level of Messi and Cristiano, and the Barcelona player is the best in his position
N'Zonzi sees Mbappe as the most deserving of the Ballon d'Or
Steven Nzonzi, the former Sevilla and France midfielder, has spoken about the levels of his compatriots Kylian Mbappe, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni, and also praised Spain's Rodri, the Barcelona star, considering him the best midfielder in the world at present.
Now plying his trade with Dunkerque in the French second division, Nzonzi had warm words for his former Rennes team-mate Camavinga: "He is on his way to recovering his best level, thanks to the confidence Zidane gives him with the national team."
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He continued: "What is strange is the decline he has experienced in Madrid, because he is a top-class player. I saw him up close for a long time, and I know what he is capable of offering. I think injuries halted his progress, but he is only 23, and I see that he is still capable of becoming one of the best midfielders in Europe... if he believes in himself and gets confidence and stability."
Asked to compare Rodri and Tchouameni, Nzonzi told the Spanish newspaper AS: "I don't much like comparisons, as both of them are amazing. Rodri is extremely intelligent, outstanding in every aspect, and he controls midfield as few players do, but Tchouameni is also a top-class player. I think Rodri is the best midfielder in the world at present."
The former Roma man then turned to Mbappe: "I think he is the best in the world at present. And despite his lack of some titles, what he has achieved on an individual level is impressive. I see that the predictions talk of the candidates being very close together, but I believe the next Ballon d'Or should go to him."
He added: "There are players who win titles, but I believe there is nobody in the world who matches him as a footballer. I respect everyone's opinion, but this is mine. The Ballon d'Or should go to the best player, or to the one who has offered the most, and I think there has been nobody like Kylian."
Mbappe, Messi and Cristiano
Can Mbappe reach the heights of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi? "He is on the way, but he has not reached that status yet. They are two true legends, they have won everything on both the individual and the collective level, and Mbappe still has a long road ahead to prove many things. Time will tell us."
Michael Olise and Lamine Yamal also got the Nzonzi seal of approval as the best in their position in the world: "Yes, I strongly believe so. They are the two best wingers in the world, both of them enjoy star status, and they have a big impact, as well as being players who are enjoyable to watch. I think they are at the same level at present."
His own future, meanwhile, points towards the touchline. "I am close to obtaining the first-category European coaching licence, and I will try to find out whether I can build a future in coaching. Players who played in my position enjoy more options, thanks to the vision of the game they acquired over their years on the pitch."
