Portugal defender Nuno Mendes showered praise on world-class players Kylian Mbappe and his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo. Mendes has shared the dressing with both the forwards and knows what they bring to the table.
The 22-year-old played with Kylian Mbappe for Paris Saint-Germain. Mendes said that both Ronaldo and Mbappe can make a difference in a jiffy.
“They are high-level, excellent players who can make a difference at any moment. I shared a dressing room with both of them and it was a pleasure to play with Mbappé and play with Cristiano. They are incredible, from one moment to the next they make a difference.”
Asked if he had to choose between the duo, Mendes said in his Wednesday news conference: “It’s complicated. If I were a coach, I would choose both.”
Mendes is ready to take on Mbappe if he plays on his flank in the all-important clash.
“I don’t think he will be playing on my flank, but if it happens I’m prepared,” he said. “I train every day for these moments and we are prepared to face them.
“They have high-level players, but we also have great players. We need to do everything we can to cancel France’s strengths and play our game.”
France is yet to score an open-goal in the tournament and have benefitted from two own goals. Mbappe had scored from the spot kick in 1-1 draw against Poland in the group stage.
“I think it’s good for us, it’s a good indicator,” Mendes said. “They are players who have the scent for goals, both Mbappé and [PSG forward Ousmane] Dembélé. They like to look for the goal. It depends on them and it depends on us, to do our best so that they don’t score goals.”
Portugal will take on France in the quarterfinal of Euro 2024 on Friday.
