Mbappe’s role in French side is WEAKNESS that Argentina should look to exploit in World Cup final, says Ferdinand
RIO FERDINAND believes Argentina should exploit France’s “weakness” and target their left hand side due to the attacking talents of Kylian Mbappe and Theo Hernandez.
The holders booked their place in the World Cup final against the South Americans as they beat Morocco 2-0 in the semis last night.
Full-back Hernandez broke the deadlock before Randal Kolo Muani set-up the bumper showdown at the Lusail Stadium for Sunday.
France will be many peoples favourites to retain the trophy, however, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand thinks Argentina can win the prize for the first time since 1986 if they target their opponents’ left flank.
He told BBC Sport: “If you look at France’s weakness, and there aren’t many of them, but their left side is an area of the pitch I thought opponents have been targeting.
“You look at it, a third of the chances they’ve conceded have come from that side of the pitch.
“This is unfortunate – [Lucas] Hernandez obviously gets a serious injury on this side but it’s become a common thing throughout the World Cup.
“Against Denmark, they immediately go for that side of the pitch – and one of the reasons is you’ve got Mbappe on that side of the pitch.. so maybe that gives licence to stay higher up the pitch.
“But that puts pressure on that side of the pitch.
“Against England, [Bukayo] Saka and [Harry] Kane caused a mistake and this was the foul for the penalty that never was.”
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST WORLD CUP BETTING OFFERS AND FREE BETS
Hernandez’s brother Lucas, 26, started the World Cup as Didier Deschamps’ first-choice left-back.
But the Bayern Munich star picked up a serious knee injury during their opening game victory against Australia and is expected to be ruled out for the rest of the season.
He was replaced by his 25-year-old sibling Theo, who is much more attack-minded than his older brother.
Meanwhile, Mbappe is the current joint-top scorer at the tournament alongside Argentina legend Lionel Messi at the tournament.
And the pair will be desperate for double joy by firing their respective nations to glory at the weekend as well as scooping the Golden Boot.