Kane’s Ballon d’Or is still debated, Mbappé very close to the coronation
28 little points! This is the gap that separates Harry Kane from Kylian Mbappé in the latest Ballon d’Or rankings, revealed in the new issue of France Football. A particularly close vote, since the Englishman was cited 98 times compared to 97 for the Frenchman. But it is above all the number of first places which made the difference: 40 for Kane against only 23 for Mbappé. And some votes are already causing a lot of talk. Three journalists did not even include the Frenchman in their top 10, while none of the 100 voters placed Ousmane Dembélé in first position. And there are some particularly surprising choices! The Greek journalist, for example, placed neither Mbappé, nor Lamine Yamal, nor Dembélé in his top 10, while his Croatian counterpart preferred Rodri, Haaland and even Messi to Harry Kane. Vincent Garcia’s vote is also controversial, particularly for certain choices which do not respect the ballot criteria. But the magazine also gives the floor to the big winner. Asked about the profiles of Mbappé and Yamal, Kane believes that the Ballon d’Or does not only reward players capable of changing a match with a dribble or an individual exploit. For him, this distinction also rewards collective work and all less visible tasks. A speech which inevitably looks like a fine defense of his own coronation!
Barça no longer has the right to make mistakes
In Spain, FC Barcelona must quickly raise its head! After two consecutive defeats against PSG and Real Madrid, Hansi Flick’s men receive Alavés with an obligation of result. A victory would dispel doubts before a particularly tough series, including meetings against Atlético de Madrid and Aston Villa. Especially since the Colchoneros are on the lookout and could put even more pressure on the Blaugranas in the standings. But Hansi Flick will have to deal with a real slaughter in defense! Christensen, Koundé, Eric Garcia and Xavi Espart are all unavailable, forcing the German technician to completely review his plans. Several adjustments are being considered, with Frenkie de Jong likely to move back into central defense. Barça therefore does not have the right to fail against Alavés, otherwise doubts will arise a little more before the next major events.
Giroud and Hakimi cause a sensation in the French press
The French press has found its two great heroes of the weekend! In the Northern derby, LOSC took the upper hand over RC Lens thanks to a goal from Olivier Giroud in the 86th minute. A 1-0 victory which rewards the great collective performance of Lille, against an unrecognizable Sang et Or. The Team title ” Giroud the flame “, while The Voice of the North has fun with a “ Hello, here is Giroud again “. For his part, Le Figaro talks about “ Giroud relief “. At 39 years old, the French striker once again got his team out of trouble and gave Lille the derby! Another performance that gets people talking a lot: that of Achraf Hakimi against Le Havre. PSG won 5-1 and the Moroccan was simply monumental, with a hat-trick and two assists. The Team talks about “ total football » to salute the man who became the first defender in the history of Ligue 1 involved in five goals in the same match. And while Hakimi is stacking records, Luis Enrique also continues to write Parisian history. With 127 victories, the Spaniard is now the most successful coach in the club’s history, as highlighted Le Figaro. Also a funny little sequence: Hakimi returned to his somewhat muscular exchange with Luis Enrique after his first goal. The coach thought his player was contesting a refereeing decision, while the Moroccan was simply discussing his goal with the assistant referee. More fear than harm between the two men!
