Wales and Liverpool legend, Ian
Rush, has urged Liverpool to go after Kylian Mbappe when he becomes a
free agent next summer, believing that the France international is one of very few players who could improve The Reds’ attacking power, and wants his former club to pursue the young star.
Rush also expressed his excitement about Wales potentially reaching
next year’s World Cup in Qatar, after an impressive display against
Belgium earlier this week.
“The Premier League is back this weekend after what was an eventful
international break during which a few things caught my eye. I couldn’t help notice Kylian Mbappe was on fire for France, scoring five goals in two games. He looks on a mission to make up for what was a disappointing Euros campaign for him personally,” Rush told Gambling.com in an interview.
“He’s also in fine form for Paris Saint-Germain with six goals and six
assists in 12 games in Ligue 1 this season. His form is all the more
remarkable given the fact he’s made it clear he wants to leave PSG.
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The French champions refused to bow to Real Madrid in the summer but Mbappe now looks increasingly likely to run down his contract and
leave PSG on a free transfer next year.
Reports suggest the Bernabeu is where he’s destined to end up but when a player becomes a free agent you never know what direction they might take. We all thought Gini Wijnaldum was heading for Barcelona last summer only for PSG to snap him up.
Could Liverpool hijack Mbappe’s proposed move to Real Madrid?
“I know he’s an admirer of Liverpool and in my opinion it would be great if
the club could sign someone like him, but Real Madrid’s interest is
strong and genuine,” Rush said.
“For me, if you want to play in the best league in the world and for
the best club in that division, then there’s only one option and
that’s the Premier League and Liverpool FC. It’s as simple as that.
“Ultimately, it will come down to what him and his agent believe is
right for them, but if the opportunity is there I’d personally love to
see Liverpool go in for him.
“I always say you should only sign players who are better than what you
already have in that position. Is Mbappe better than what we currently have in his position? In my opinion yes, I think he’d make Liverpool a stronger team.”
On Virgil Van Dijk, Rush said: “The World Cup is all about watching the best players in the game and that’s why I’m delighted the Netherlands have qualified so we can see Virgil van Dijk on the biggest stage of all.
“He was very unlucky to miss out on the Euros in the summer because of
his injury but now he’ll be eager to make up for lost time and I’m
looking forward to him showing the world that he’s the best defender
in the game.
“I have no doubt that van Dijk is the best player in the world in his
position, so it’s only right that he has a chance to play in the World
Cup.
“I watch him week-in-week-out when he plays for Liverpool and I believe
he’s getting back to his full match fitness now and he’s back looking
after players around him, which is great to see. Roll on Qatar 2022 so
we can all watch him do his thing with the eyes of the world on him.”
Wales One Step Closer
“As for my own country, Wales have made the playoffs and secured a home tie in the draw after holding Belgium to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday,” Rush remarked.
“I was at that game and it was fantastic, the atmosphere was incredible– a bit like being at Liverpool on a European night – Wales were excellent. In fact, I thought they were the better team against a nation ranked No. 1 in the world.
“There’s a long way to go but the point was so important to get us that
home tie in the playoffs, which will be a big advantage for Wales when
the games come around in March.
“There’s some big nations in there – Portugal and Italy will worry a
lot of teams – but I think Wales have some fantastic players and some
good youngsters coming through too. We’ll need a little bit of luck,
but there’s every reason to be optimistic.
“It’s also a last chance to play in a World Cup for Gareth Bale and
Aaron Ramsey and Wales will need their experience to get through the
playoffs and should be able to call on their experience from the Euros
to help. To get to Qatar would be a massive boost for the country.”
