With their Nations League heroics, Mbappe and Benzema provide Real Madrid with a thrilling vision of the future.

in World Of Football ⚽3 years ago

Greetings World of Football.

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Fans all over the world may have to get used to seeing France's superstars pair up to secure silverware while dressed in white.

On Sunday evening, as France lifted the Nations League trophy at San Siro, it was unlikely that many Real Madrid fans were celebrating their success.

After all, Spain was the beaten finalists, losing 2-1 to France, who became the first team in history to win the World Cup, European Championship, and Nations League.

It was a slow-burning affair, but Didier Deschamps' individualism ultimately triumphed over Luis Enrique's technically gifted but ultimately toothless side.

The identities of France's matchwinners were no better at demonstrating this.

Karim Benzema drifted into a position in the left channel as France countered before sending a curling shot just beyond Unai Simon's reach and into the top corner after Mikel Oyarzabal had given Spain the lead just past the hour mark.

After Eric Garcia's touch on Theo Hernandez's pass rendered the Paris Saint-Germain attacker onside when it appeared he would be flagged offside, Kylian Mbappe coolly slotted the winner.

While Madrid supporters will be disappointed with the final result, they will take a step back and see that there is a silver lining to this defeat as time passes.

Both of France's most dangerous attackers are expected to join them next season.

With Mbappe anticipated to take advantage of his future free agency by joining Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2022, this pair will be seen in white shirts together a lot more.

What they've shown so far is merely a small part of their true potential. Working together on the training field will only increase their understanding, which will cause problems for Los Blancos' domestic and European opponents.

Benzema and Mbappe only connected up on few occasions, but when they did, France, who had spent much of the game attempting but failing to integrate their front three, looked explosive.

The oppressive passing and pressing of Spain made it tough for Les Bleus' great forwards to shine like they did against Belgium on Thursday in Turin. Indeed, Antoine Griezmann scarcely registered a meaningful kick, but even that wasn't enough to save his teammates' qualities from finally deciding the match.

When asked if it was a dream evening, Benzema, who has nine goals and seven assists in La Liga this season for Real Madrid, said: "Yes, on a collective and personal level." It was a dream come true for me to lift a trophy with France, and it wasn't easy.

"We've demonstrated the team's character strength. We didn't give anything up."

But, when both Benzema and Mbappe completed redemption stories, the strength of character that Benzema talks about was also unique.

Benzema, who is perhaps the best player in the world right now, has been chastised since returning to the national team after a lengthy and contentious absence.

Meanwhile, Mbappe toiled at Euro 2020, and his international credentials were questioned when he arrived in Italy. The former Monaco striker scored two goals in two games in the Nations League Finals, including a title-winning goal to go along with his performance in the 2018 World Cup final.

The 22-year-old is following in the footsteps of his hero, Cristiano Ronaldo, who gained a reputation as a big-game player.

Madrid, on the other hand, has never been able to really replace that Portuguese superstar. Mbappe has shown that he is more than capable in yet another audition.

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