Kylian Mbappe

“I think it’s a great test for me”- Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen ready to ‘die’ to stop Kylian Mbappe

Sportsdunia DeskPublished on: 1st May 2024 07:12 PM

Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen will have the task of Kylian Mbappe

Ian Maatsen ready to ‘die’ on the field

Chelsea loanee Borussia Dortmund is ready to give his everything to stop PSG attacker Kylian Mbappe in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. Maatsen is currently at Borussia Dortmund and he will have the difficult task of containing Mbappe as Dortmund and PSG lock horns in the first leg of the UCL semi-finals at the Signal Iduna Park.

Maatsen acknowledges the immense quality the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner possesses. However, he is ready to give his everything and stop Mbappe from harming Dortmund in the UCL semi-final game. Speaking to The Telegraph ahead of the highly-anticipated last-four game, the Chelsea loanee said:

“Mbappe’s really fast. If I have to sprint with him, I’ll have to give it everything. If I have to die, then I have to die to sprint, we will try our best. Everyone knows his quality. He’s a top player, world-class. We have to stop him, of course. I think it’s a great test for me to go up against the best and I’m looking forward to it.”

Kylian Mbappe has been in fantastic form for PSG this season, scoring 43 goals and providing 10 assists in 44 appearances across competitions. He is currently the UEFA Champions League’s top scorer this season, scoring eight times in ten games. Mbappe netted twice in the UCL quarter-final second leg against Barcelona.

Maatsen, meanwhile, has become a key player for Dortmund since joining the Bundesliga club on loan in January. The Dutch defender has made 18 appearances across competitions, scoring twice and providing two assists. The Chelsea loanee has played four Champions League games for Dortmund since his loan move, scoring once.

Rio Ferdinand tips Kylian Mbappe to help PSG win the Champions League this season

Kylian Mbappe has been in stellar form this season and has already shown his prowess in the UCL this term. Rio Ferdinand has tipped the Frenchman to guide PSG to win the Champions League this season. The Manchester United legend thinks Mbappe is a born winner and PSG will benefit from that x-factor. He said on TNT Sports:

“It’s the Kylian Mbappe effect… he’s been the chosen one since he was born.”

Kylian Mbappe has already won some major trophies in his career, including the FIFA World Cup. But he is yet to lift the UCL and Ferdinand thinks PSG are the favorites to finally break their duck in the competition this season.

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