Real Madrid will be welcoming Paris St Germain at Bernabeu on Wednesday for the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie. The clash between two of Europe champion pits some of the best strikers in world football against each other.
Real Madrid star player Gareth Bale has been in good goal-scoring form since retuning from injury, Bale is also determined to display that his time in Madrid is not over.
Bale’s biggest problem in Spain is the amount of time he has spent on the treatment table, with injury costing him another two months this season. But he has still scored nine goals and his pace and skills can trouble the best defenders.
At 19, Mbappe is nine years younger than Bale and possesses identical explosive pace, if not the same defensive discipline.
The French teenager has incredible dribbling skills and operates on either flank as he can go both ways. But he is particularly lethal cutting inside onto his right foot and showing the shooting ability which has brought him 13 goals this term.
Brazil striker Neymar joined Paris St Germain from Barcelona in a £198million world record deal last summer. The Champions League’s record marksman has scored 23 goals in 28 games – two more than at the same stage last season, despite playing fewer minutes.
The 33-year-old might shy defensive responsibilities but he remains a match-winner, particularly in the air and on the counter-attack.
Neymar is more dangerous from set-pieces and there are many Madridstas who would like to see the Brazilian succeed the five-time Ballon d’Or winner at the Bernabeu.
His trickery on the ball can be mesmeric and he has the vision to release team-mates at the right time. The only part of his game that can be questioned is his defensive contribution.
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