Kylian Mbappe wasn't a hard worker - Why Chelsea rejected him
The Paris Saint-Germain superstar impressed during a trial at Cobham in 2012 but the Blues upset the forward's mother by requesting a second trial
French player, Kylian Mbappe, a 19-year-old footballer who’s achieved more in his blossoming career.
The prodigious striker has already scored 52 goals at senior level - including nine for the French national team - and became a World Cup champion over the summer.
His performances in Russia were stellar to the point of him being compared with Pele after he joined the Brazil legend as the only teenagers to score twice in the competition.
It goes without saying, Mbappe is comfortably among the best players on the planet right now.
But prior to cutting his teeth with Monaco, it turns out the Paris Saint-Germain star could’ve been lured to English shores.
Former Chelsea scout Serge Daniel Boga spotted Mbappe while he was playing for AS Bondy in the suburbs of Paris and immediately called up his contacts at Stamford Bridge.
“I brought him over with his family. He was skilful, like he is now. He played against Charlton and won 7-0,” he told Goal.
"After a week at Chelsea, we went into the office. We said, ‘Listen, we appreciate what we saw from you but we have to invite you back for another trial and we'll see after that.’
“I remember what the mother said to this day. She spoke in French to [Jim] Fraser and I was translating.
“She said to me, 'Listen, my boy won't be coming back. If they want him they have to take him now or in five year's time they will be coming back to buy him for €50 million!’
"She was right, though. It wasn't even €50m but €180m that someone would pay. So, she knew the quality of her son and she was right.“
WHY CHELSEA REJECTED MBAPPE
So how could the Blues’ top-class recruitment staff pass up an opportunity to sign a genuine wonderkid?
Well, according to Boga, one aspect of Mbappe’s game failed to convince them he was worth the investment.
“He was very skilful but in England, they want to see the player track back and be a hard worker. At the time, he wasn't a hard worker," said Boga.
"Defensively, he wasn't there yet. When he got the ball, he was unbelievable, but without the ball, he didn't work a lot.
Evidently, Chelsea made a mistake in letting one flaw overshadow his obvious quality, and Boga agrees to some extent.
“They should have signed him. To be fair, though, it is easy to say that now. But, at the time, Chelsea had a good squad.”
“I think until now, Mbappe is the best player I have ever scouted. I am proud, very proud to see what he has become. When I see him play, I say, 'Wow, my eyes were good!’
“He has everything to remain one of the best players for 10 years.”
Hindsight can be a wonderful thing, but to this day, Chelsea must be kicking themselves for allowing Mbappe to slip through their fingers.
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