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Samuel Eto'o Names The Youngster Who Can Become 'The Future Messi'

Samuel Eto'o Names The Youngster Who Can Become 'The Future Messi'

Eto'o has had his say...

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Samuel Eto'o spent time experiencing the brilliance of Lionel Messi during his time playing for Barcelona, seeing the diminutive Argentine grow from a slight and skinny 17-year old into the footballing phenomenon we have the pleasure of watching today.

And the well-travelled striker feels as though PSG and France sensation Kylian Mbappe is "the future Messi" if he continues his journey.

Aged 19, Mbappe has already won the Golden Boy award in 2017, got to a Champions League semi-final, on the verge of winning a domestic treble and already has 53 goals for club and country.

Image: PA
Image: PA

Though he references the Frenchman's supreme qualities on the pitch, he feels remaining grounded is the key to Mbappe realising his potential.

"Mbappe is the future Messi if he handles his status well, if he understands well what goes on around his name," the Cameroonian legend said to France Football, as quoted by ESPN.

"There are so many things to take into account to have a great career which have nothing to do with your football qualities, even exceptional ones. I hope to have the chance to talk to him about it one day.

"Kylian can get inspiration from the superhuman mental strength of Leo Messi, whom I saw grow up at Barca.

"He continues to make games easy by creating something each second. He's unique, but he's stayed the little kid I discovered in 2004, respectful, discreet. Others would have gone mad with global fame."

Image: PA
Image: PA

Mbappe joined boyhood club PSG from Monaco on an initial season-long loan, with a £166 million move going through in the summer window.

The teenager has continued in the same vein in his new environment, notching 21 goals and laying on 16 assists for his teammates in his first season in the French capital.

It's scary that Mbappe is this good yet he's still nowhere near the finished article.

Do you agree with Eto'o said about Mbappe?

Sound off in the comments.

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Topics: Football News, Paris Saint-Germain, Football, PSG, Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto'o, Kylian Mbappe