Gerard Pique believes Kylian Mbappe is a ‘more complete player’ than fellow youngster Erling Haaland – but he is backing both players to win the Ballon d’Or one day.
Comparisons between Mbappe and Haaland, who have scored 63 goals between them this season for PSG and Borussia Dortmund, have been rife in recent years, with fans and pundits torn as to who is the bigger star.
Mbappe has already bagged 167 goals in 214 appearances for PSG at the age of just 23, while winning four French titles and the World Cup with his native France in 2018.
Barcelona’s Gerard Pique has weighed in on the Kylian Mbappe vs Erling Haaland debate
As for Haaland, 21, the Dortmund striker has produced a frightening return of 85 goals in 88 matches since making the move to Germany in January 2020, though his only major honour at Signal Iduna Park is last season’s DFB-Pokal triumph.
Many regard Mbappe and Haaland as successors to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of world football, but when asked to pick between them Pique struggled for an answer.
‘They are two of the best players right now,’ the veteran Barcelona defender told Gary Neville on The Overlap. ‘They are very young and they both have the potential for the Ballon d’Or for sure.
Mbappe has already registered 167 goals in 214 appearances for PSG at the age of just 23
Haaland, meanwhile, has produced a return of 85 goals in 88 matches for Borussia Dortmund
‘I think Haaland is more of a pure striker, very strong and scores a lot of goals. Mbappe is a more complete player – can play as a winger or striker.
‘I didn’t have the opportunity to play against Haaland, I played against Mbappe. It’s difficult to choose.’
Both Mbappe and Haaland’s futures are the subject of widespread speculation heading into the summer transfer window.
The former is out of contract at PSG in July, with Real Madrid reportedly leading the race for his signature.
Haaland, meanwhile, is on the verge of a lucrative switch to Manchester City.
Sportsmail reported last month that the Norwegian striker has agreed a mouthwatering package worth £500,000-a-week with City, which would make him the Premier League’s highest-paid player.
Pique believes Mbappe is the ‘more complete’ player of the two young superstars
