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“Only Erling Haaland Is at Kylian Mbappe’s Level” – Carlo Ancelotti Given Brutal Reality Check as PSG Star’s Move Imminent

Published 02/13/2024, 6:10 AM EST

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The Kylian Mbappe-Real Madrid saga is keeping the rumor mill churning. With his PSG contract expiring in the coming months, the French sensation’s future remains in the air. Although it’s still unclear whether the Spanish club will pursue the Parisian star, Carlo Ancelotti recently took the dismissive stance that his side ‘already have the best players in the world.’ However, the Italian coach has received a stark reality check from a Spanish icon, who says that only players with statistics similar to Erling Haaland and Mbappe are the ‘ ones who have always won Ballon d’Ors.’

There is no denying that the current Real Madrid squad has the potential to achieve greatness. Yet, Petón claims that the Los Blancos have a long way to go when it comes to having the best players. Speaking on El Chiringuito TV, he first said, “Only Haaland is at Mbappe’s level.” The former Huesca manager further asserted, “Those who have those scoring figures [like Haaland and Mbappe] are the ones who have always won Ballon d’Ors.” It is a subtle dig from Peton regarding Ancelloti’s previous comments. What exactly were they?

While addressing Mbappe’s rumors, the former AC Milan coach stated, “You keep asking me about a player who plays for another team. We already have the best players in the world here. In order: Vini Junior first, Jude Bellingham second, Rodrygo third. Then Toni Kroos, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga.” Yet, Petón believes Haaland and Mbappe have the potential to win the prestigious Golden Ball until another player reaches the same level as the duo. However, someone might disagree with Peton. 

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A former USMNT star backed Jude Bellingham to win the Ballon d’Or ahead of Haaland and Mbappe. 

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Jude Bellingham is much ‘closer’ than Erling Haaland to winning the next Ballon d’Or

Earlier, ESPN pundit Janusz Michallik reckoned that Jude Bellingham is in a stronger position than Erling Haaland to pick up the prize, given that he is a midfielder putting up remarkable numbers. He also asserted that the Englishman got an upper hand over the Norwegian No. 9 in international soccer. While showering praise on Haaland’s scoring ability, he insisted that the Manchester City star isn’t ‘a great all-around player.’

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Michallik said, “Jude Bellingham seems [better] to me. If I had to absolutely guess, maybe a little bit closer…. Right now, I would say Bellingham honestly.” Interestingly, he chose not to mention Kylian Mbappe in the conversation. However, with 2023–24 still underway, let’s see if Michallik’s prediction comes out to be true. 

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Written by:

Abhishek Mishra

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Abhishek Mishra is a senior Soccer Writer at EssentiallySports. His early exposure to playing soccer earned him many accolades at college divisions, making him a sports enthusiast. While closely following daily updates for over a decade, Abhishek is well-versed in European soccer and now the MLS, as well.
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Edited by:

Jacob Gijy