Mbappe: Republic of Ireland Hatch Plan to Stop France Star in Euro 2024 Qualifier Clash

Mbappe: Republic of Ireland Hatch Plan to Stop France Star in Euro 2024 Qualifier Clash

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at September 1, 2023 at 1:47 PM
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  • Few teams have been able to stop Kylian Mbappe
  • Republic of Ireland manager, Stephen Kennyh says he has a plan to stop the French superstar
  • Mbappe was poor when France played Ireland in March

One of the biggest questions in football nowadays is how a team can stop Paris Saint-Germain and France star Kylian Mbappe. The forward is arguably one of the best players in the world and can beat even the best defenders in the world.

The Republic of Ireland face France on Thursday, September 7, in the Euro 2024 qualifier, and head coach Stephen Kenny says he has a plan to stop Mbappe despite his first-team right-backs being out through suspension or injury.

Kylian Mbappe, Republic of Ireland, France, Euro 2024 qualifiers, PSG
Kylian Mbappe during France's clash vs. Republic of Ireland in March. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.
Source: Getty Images

The 24-year-old's performance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup with France showed how difficult it is to stop him. He won the Golden Boot in Qatar with eight goals, including a superb hat-trick in the final against Argentina.

France beat Ireland 1-0 in March in Dublin, but Mbappe had a forgettable performance. This shows the strength in depth France that have, and ROI will have to plan not only how to stop Mbappe, but also other players in the star-studded France squad.

Seamus Coleman kept him quiet in the last match, but he will not be involved at the Parc des Princes next Thursday. Matt Doherty, another option at right-back, is suspended.

Stephen Kenny's plan for Mbappe

Mbappe heads into the game having scored in five of his last six international games. With Coleman and Doherty out of the game, Alan Browne, Jason Knight, and Udinese’s Festy Ebosele are all in contention for a wing-back role.

Kenny says he has a plan on how to stop Mbappe.

“Mbappe is the opposite opponent for the right wing-back and he's the most potent attacking player in the world. That’s a challenge... We have to pay careful attention to that position because they are devastating from that position. I’ve a clear idea in my head of what I want to do, but we have to be creative in how we do that and make sure that we get ourselves ready,” he said, via Irish Mirror.

Mbappe's devastating speed is one aspect that makes him hard to stop. His movement behind the defence and finishing ability make him a dangerous player for any defence.

The Republic of Ireland are third in Group B, behind France, Greece, and the Netherlands in the 2024 UEFA European Qualifiers. They have played three matches and won once and lost twice.

After playing France, they will host the Netherlands in Dublin.

Mbappe's next destination 'confirmed'

In news related to Kylian Mbappe, Sports Brief reported that Paris Saint-Germain's goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, delivered a telling message when asked about the future of his teammate.

Amidst ongoing summer speculation linking the 24-year-old with a potential transfer to Real Madrid, a club he had chosen to remain at when extending his contract two seasons ago, Donnarumma expressed his strong belief in the likelihood that Mbappe will not be leaving the club this summer.

Authors
Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.
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