Mbappé and Hakimi to captain their sides
Kylian Mbappé and Achraf Hakimi are set to face each other again on Thursday in Boston, as France plays Morocco. The two players, who share a close friendship, will captain their respective national teams in the upcoming match. This encounter marks another chapter in their rivalry, following their previous meeting at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Their connection began in October 2021 during their time at Paris Saint-Germain. An incident involving a grounded flight led to a road trip where they were photographed together. Reports indicate that Mbappé later supported Hakimi during internal team frictions. Sergio Ramos, who knew Hakimi from Real Madrid, also provided support to him.
The friendship between Mbappé and Hakimi deepened with Mbappé’s visits to Madrid, where he stayed at Hakimi’s home. Hakimi was reportedly aware of Mbappé’s decision to remain in Paris for an additional year before others, a detail that caused some annoyance within the club and dressing room. The two players maintain daily contact.
Previous encounters and current form
Before the Qatar 2022 World Cup, Mbappé and Hakimi exchanged playful messages about a potential match-up. Mbappé expressed his desire to face Morocco and jokingly threatened to defeat his friend, while Hakimi responded in a similar vein. They subsequently met at Al Bayt Stadium, where France eliminated Morocco in the semi-finals with goals from Theo Hernández and Kolo Muani. Following that match, they exchanged shirts.
Morocco aims to avenge that semi-final exit in the upcoming game. Mbappé has publicly referred to Hakimi as one of the world’s best players and, more importantly, a friend. Hakimi frequently visits Madrid, where his son resides with his ex-wife.
Ahead of this match, ESPN highlighted Hakimi as a crucial player for Morocco, noting his ability to influence both offensive and defensive aspects of the game. His direct confrontation with Mbappé is a central point of interest. One report suggests that while Hakimi may not completely nullify Mbappé, he is considered one of the few players globally capable of consistently defending Mbappé while also contributing significantly to the attack in the same match.
Hakimi has established himself in football history as the African player with the most appearances in FIFA World Cup tournaments. He has been a cornerstone of Morocco’s recent successes, helping guide the national team deep into major international competitions. His capacity to transition quickly between defensive duties and playmaking roles is seen as a key attribute.
Anticipated quarter-final clash
While Hakimi is a significant player for Morocco, there have been discussions regarding his recent form. He is coming off a season with PSG that included injury concerns, and some observers have noted a potential decline from his previous status as the world’s top right-back. Despite this, he is still highly regarded globally and is a two-time Champions League winner.
Mbappé, on the other hand, has been performing strongly in the current World Cup, scoring goals at a rapid pace. His explosiveness and speed are considered significant advantages, potentially allowing him to exploit any defensive vulnerabilities. Some reports suggest that Mbappé could create considerable space behind Hakimi, leading to more opportunities to cut inside and score.
The upcoming match is a decisive clash, with a place in the semi-finals at stake for both teams. The game is scheduled for Thursday at 21:00 in Boston.
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Source: onefootball.com
