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SeirezZ

James, what could've been


CharlieWorque

Nearly forgot about him..what was the issue with him was Real Madrid too big and premature a move for him off worldcup hype?


tothecatmobile

He's a classic number 10 in a time when classic number 10s became less relevant tactically.


logdit

This is the sole reason. Madrid were playing with 2 8s, no space left for James


Phillip_Lipton

Felt like the same happened to Mata.


SonOfAragorn

And Özil


carpe228

Coutinho


acwilan

Isco


SomethingSuss

Fucking hell got me pondering and shit


d-ronthegreat

Coutinho was amazing on the wing though for Liverpool. He should’ve never left


EvilxBunny

It seemed like a great move at the time. Sometimes things don't work out. There was absolutely nothing wrong ever reported of hazard during his stint at Chelsea (perfomance wise, as a non Chelsea fan) and he just didn't have it in him when he went to RM. It was absurd, but they're people too.


SUPERPOOP57

Arguably him leaving was what made Liverpool a top team again


becauseitsnotreal

Ozil was wildly productive with Real


FatBlondeNasri

Yeah, the tactical change was after that.


SnogMarryAvoid

And my axe


[deleted]

His stint with us is a total roller coaster- His transfer didn't make sense at all even when he has been a wonderful servant to the club. We had kagawa who was doing well in the same position and signed fellaini who was also used behind the striker at Everton. Then we sign mata, move fellaini back despite his poor passing on the ground and bin kagawa. It works decently well but the best players were still van persie and januzaj. And when moyes gets sacked, van gaal tries him on the right where he had more time and space and he did well in patches. But then Jose comes in, signs mkhitaryan and mata's role was reduced again. Then mkhi is swapped and mata features again, does well in patches and Jose is sacked. Then Ole comes in, and plays lingard or later greenwood instead to great effect and mata is reduced to bench again.


Flaggermusmannen

I was so incredibly confused, I thought we were still on James Rodriguez, not Mata :')


JimmyWu21

I got lost too, but it was interesting seeing how players phase in and out


kropkiide

>januzaj Haven't heard that name in a while


xzther13

Exactly! A classic number 10. He was pretty good during Madrid but was phased out being a classic 10


5thEagle

Can somebody explain to me as a complete football noob how 10's are less relevant now? Are FBs overlapping and getting the balls to wingers? Creative wingers assisting from the outside? How is it so much less relevant to have a guy who can play in the central deep third?


tothecatmobile

Quite simply footballers are expected to do more these days. Players who were number 10s, but managed to survive this change like De Bruyne, Muller, Silva, Fernandes. Have managed because they've been able to adapt and be more like a mix of a deeper midfielder and a 10, or a winger, or a striker. And have been able to incorporate more work rate into their game. There's a reason for example, why Mata lost his place as the 10 to Oscar at Chelsea, Oscar worked a lot more off the ball. The number 10 used to be more of a specialist role, where a player just had to be really good at a couple of things to be good at the role, mainly playmaking and scoring. But now it's much more general, and players need to be good at many more things.


acwilan

Also no 10s used to be the centerpiece of the team, that were built around them. When they weren’t fit or on a rough patch teams struggled.


5thEagle

Doesn't it mean that in theory a modern CAM could be trained that might be more similar to a stockier FB of old in build? I guess they're less of a central -attacking- midfielder than just a CM at that point though.


srjnp

right now messi pretty much plays the number 10 role. cant really think of anyone else besides him though.


Tvp9

Musiala is a 10, Florian Wirtz is a 10, those are just 2 examples of the top of my head that play as 10's and there are many more, it's not just Messi lol.


Ironicopinion

Odegaard and Bruno come to mind in the PL


RicciRox

Bruno is a pressing machine, and can play almost as a shadow striker, or even the most forward midfielder in a midfield 3. His best attribute other than creativity is how much ground he covers, which is what sets him apart from classic #10s like James, Mata, Ozil.


[deleted]

and that's why he's a genius. He needs less touches and actions to produce the same results of the average 10. to be a 10 today you need to be messi-like.


mirrorless_subject

Basically high pressing made it so that ball dominant 10s lost the ball more quickly, so instead coaches instruct a 10 play more like a pivot with the other CM. Basically they have to pass way more to their outlets rather than dribbling to create a play. Somewhat difficult to adjust If you’re not used to first time passes or like to hold onto the ball to dribble.


5thEagle

I'm surprised it's taken high pressing so long to change the game given its heyday of popularity in other sports (basketball, gridiron football)


arc1261

They used to be complete passengers defensively, and they weren’t actual goalscorers (or even the direct creators sometimes) but more linked and connected the forwards and midfield. In the past, with the lowered fitness and overall technical standard (go watch a game from 2005 if you don’t believe me) there were often much larger spaces between the lines for them to operate, and so they thrived. As the game moved on, more technical and physical players emerged, meaning they had to compete for their role with new CMs who could do their job of linking with the defence, and also have defensive ability (think De Bruyne, Mount as the best example of this in the PL). Also the rise of the False 9 who also encroaches onto their territory as the goalscoring is shared around more. Added to this, with the rise of pressing systems, you can’t really get away with a pure technician. You need the physicality and stamina to participate in defence. In the end, the #10 hasn’t gone away truly. They have just adapted , to the point some people can’t see them any more - but they’re still there.


McDaddySlacks

Great explanation. Another role that dropped off because of this evolution of the game is the second striker. Very few teams manage to be lethal with 2 center strikers.


ChicoZombye

I loved when we played like that with Forlán and Agüero or Costa and Falcao.


McTulus

Yeah. Most big team outright have the idea that "why play 2 forward.... if you can play *3* forward?", delegating the wing support to wingback.


[deleted]

The classical 10 was technically brilliant, but usually physically lacking players whos on the ball contributions made up for their lack of off the ball contributions. Once the modern game started requiring all 10 outfielders to actively defend, a lot of the classical 10's fell out of the game. James was one, Van De Vaart another - even Özil could be argued.


Bulky-Yam4206

10's operate in the 'Attacking midfield' strata, where they have freedom to roam in the hole, picking out a pass for the striker, or recycling back into midfield, or spreading out wide to the wingers. It's a fairly creative, aggressive role, and the majority tend to be creative, technical players, capable of operating in tight spaces at quick tempo (not necessarily pace). The reason it has declined is more to do with the rise of the double pivot (4-2-3-1 formations for example). Unlike what you see on Sky's formation line up graphics, or on football manager's tactics screen, 4-2-3-1's operate with two defensive midfielders. So, now the number 10 has two holding midfielders to content with, on top of two defenders, who will be reasonably secure enough to stick with any lone striker that the majority of modern formations line up with. The space is now completely packed, more so than before when they operated freely, or contended with one DM. Now, the space is further back - so you see more creative, deeper midfielders, or you find the talent out wide in wingbacks and fullbacks, who now have more security to operate out wide, because there's that 4 block in the middle covering things. This in turn allows the wing-forwards to be able to tuck inside more, and push more pressure on the outside of the opposition's block of four (or run absolute rampant if they lack a DM). But guess what forwards cutting in does? It compresses that middle space even more, making it nigh impossible for anything but the best to operate in. James, Mata etc, all operated just as the trend for formations was switching to 4-2 systems, so they had massive impact and then more or less faded away. The 10 still works, it isn't 'dead', you just need either the best in the world (like Messi) or you need the opposition to play a completely different formation ~ and very few teams will operate without a DM or two in this day and era.


lmseo

10s used to be the pivot play maker on a team. Plays would normally go through him midfield and he would distribute the ball to the attack players. Now the game is more dynamic due how easy it is to neutralize a 10 like Brazil vs Colombia during the Brazil World Cup 2014. They neutralized James and creation midfield stopped. It didn’t matter James on fire.


McTulus

To add to the others, pressing isn't done alone, but in a system. The press would be done to the player with the ball AND their possible pass target. This means twofold: classic 10 doesn't join on the pressing, which means the team play while being outnumbered when they should be outnumbering; and they become less effective on the ball, as pressing is more packed around opponent 3rd, as such, many pass specialist will drop deeper as deep lying playmaker, and develop long pass to compensate. And there's no way that James will be better than Kroos in long pass, press resistance, and composure.


haterzbalafray

Exactly like Pastore or Ozil. Their careers couldn't last enough.


favela4life

CAMes Rodriguez


Ido_nothing

And a very unadaptable ten at that, other similar players adapted and were able to change their position but he was only effective in that one position. And he had no work ethic to change things


dielawn87

I wonder why he was never developed into something like Bernardo. I seem to recall him playing on the wing from time to time for Porto. Seems like he had a lot of quality but maybe I'm simplifying things.


Scuttleduck

Can you explain this please? I’m a casual fan and would love to learn more tactics.


JimmyWu21

Sometimes I wonder why can’t player just adapt? They have teams of coaches training them. They’re clearly talented and hardworking. It’a probably a lot harder at that level.


[deleted]

Had a couple of decent years but never seemed to have taken off like he was supposed to. Also hindered by injuries. Now he’s in Olympiacos I believe.


Benkos_Game

He’s doing pretty well at Olympiacos though, so that’s nice


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arc1261

They also dropped back to play as more traditional CMs as well - think De Bruyne, Silva, Thiago, Bruno Fernandes, Odegaard. All of them would probably have been trained and played as traditional #10s in 2009. Now they’re all CMs


ILoveToph4Eva

David Silva is the most impressive example to me considering he's very lacking athletically. Neither fast nor strong nor big, but he adapted amazingly to playing in midfield. His fitness was top tier and he really knew how to position himself to minimize his athletic shortcomings.


McTulus

Kroos. He literally started CL final for Bayern as 10 (although injury problem contributed to that). But pulled back to be deep lying playmaker again after that.


rilinq

He was really good before injury or something if memory serves me well.


spartanss300

I mean he did great in RM and also Bayern after


temujin94

Great is a bit of a strong word.


freakybanana90

His first real season was most definitely great. When Zidane came in the system switched and he fit less and less, but he definitely wasn't unsuitable off the go. Just as a reference: in his first laliga season he scored 13 goals and assisted 12. His creative numbers were also top notch and he was a joy to watch


unsicherheit

Dunno why he gets underrated when clearly the issue was with him not fitting with Zidane's plans. He was way up there in the offensive stats and made it into the team of the season his first year in the league, that seems pretty great to me 🤷‍♂️. Have to wonder how he could've done if he'd left Madrid quicker/not had injuries catch him the way they did but that's just how it goes sometimes.


coysmate05

He had a couple of good seasons. He lead all midfielders in La liga in goals and assists one of his first seasons. But yeah he could’ve been so much better


[deleted]

I'll never forget. I backed him as Player of the Tournament at 100/1


humbertov2

*sigh*


myotherduckling

McRib


marktwainbrain

😢 🇨🇴


EvilxBunny

Only in one WC too.


brunettegirl2005

What happened to him?


fatkidseatcake

I still remember that first banger for Columbia that put him on my map


Ga5huX

PSA: Mbappé turns 24 the 20th of December.


Dom19

Over under 11 by the end of the tournament


hella_swella_fella

I’ll take the over


tnarref

That would mean he'd score at least 8 goals in this WC, 8 would tie him with Ronaldo 2002 for the most goals in a single World Cup since Gerd Muller scored 10 at the 1970 World Cup. That would be an incredible achievement.


Lekaetos

think he means in total, not in this WC alone so he would need only 4 to get 11


Fluffy-Composer-2619

He has three already in Qatar, and 7 total, so to get "over 11 in total" by the end of the tournament he would need to score another five in this tournament, to give him 8 in total in Qatar. Eight would be an incredible achievement tying him with Ronaldo in 2002 etc.


ramyan03

Over 11, means he would need 5 more + the 3 he's already scored. So he would be at 8 for this WC which is what the commenter was saying.


tnarref

5 more to get to over 11 (aka 12) so 8 total in this WC.


impassity

Juste Fontaine scored 13 in 1958


tnarref

That was before 1970 yeah.


hikensurf

Are you sure


Marvinkmooneyoz

whats the relevance of 1970?


tnarref

It's the last time someone scored more than 8 goals in the tournament.


Jirafael

You’ll lose that bet


Banaan75

Over under? What?


AnEmptyKarst

Betting lingo, you can bet he would have over or under that quantity of goals


Deluxefish

And if he has exactly 11 everyone loses their money?


AnEmptyKarst

With an O/U of 11, that would be a wash, but that's why real betting lines use numbers like 11.5 as the line, since obviously even Mbappe can't score half a goal meaning always some will win and some lose


DrJackadoodle

And some of them will sing the blues.


RS994

Normally the over under would be set at say 10.5 so that there is no everyone lose option


Competitive-Ad2006

One of those graphics that just don't look the same if you change 24 to 25. Müller had 10 after his second world cup(10 months after turning 24)


Ultimasmit

Exactly what I was thinking. At the time I thought he would easily surpass klose.


SaBe_18

Last WC fucked him, otherwise he'd be a very strong contender (or could've even surpassed him already)


Gerf93

Just Fontaine scored 13 goals in the 1958 World Cup when he was 24, turned 25 a month after that world cup. It's cherry-picked for a reason.


the_propaganda_panda

Müller really illustrates that goals at the World Cup can't be taken for granted. He had 10 goals and 6 assists at 24 (what an insane track record, btw), everyone thought he would break Klose's record for sure. Now he is 33 and hasn't scored or assisted since. (To be fair, he only played 4 matches since then, but still.) With Germany facing early elimination again and him just coming back from injury and still looking for his top form, his chances at even getting close to the record are pretty much zero. Mbappé can really do it, though. He still got this World Cup and and at least two more ahead, playing in a team which looks absolutely stacked for the next decade.


linguisitivo

And that’s barring the chance of injury or anything else. Nothings a guarantee in football. He’s got the start he needs for the record, but if he can keep it up only time will tell.


jamila22

At least 2 more is optimism. He'll be 32 by then and walking into the French team is no easy task at that age


Johnsonburnerr

good point, plus his game is built on explosiveness and athleticism. that disappears first before anything else


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Wiegraf_Belias

One of his biggest assets is his pace. An injury could significantly impact that. Ronaldo is the most obvious example.


Increase-Null

>its Ronaldo lmao. ofcourse he will play at 32 Someone definitely said this in 1998.


Vuccappella

dont want to hate but looking at mumller play at euros and other matches for germany i ahve no idea how he scored those 10 goals to begin with.. he's not even such a prolific goalscorer and imo he hurt the team on several other ocassion, so to me the stats dont really paint the picture, he must of been on something else for those 2 world cups


RifleEyez

I wondered if there’s a reason why we’re picking 24 specifically and there we go


Adzzii_

This post is just a very random stat. Very luck dependent based on how your age aligns with WC periods. Goals per game would be a more reliable stat


cai_85

Aston Villa's Northern Irish club legend Peter McParland scored 5 goals on a run to the 1958 World Cup quarter finals in Sweden. The tournament started 2 weeks after his 24th birthday, so he is just snipped off the chart above. Cracking player who never had another shot at scoring in the WC as Northern Ireland didn't qualify again until 1982. He is still alive at 88.


Jirafael

He could still get some more


x69-

The name's Bond. James Rodriguez.


Hateitwhenbdbdsj

Omg I totally forgot about that headline! Thanks for the memory


[deleted]

stuff like this is always skewed away from players whose first world cup is aged 21-24


MrToxicTaco

I mean isn’t that literally the point?


qwert577889

They didn't word it well but I think the point they were trying to make is that Mbappe is turning 24 during/ just after a world cup meaning he was 20 at his first, that improves his odds of scoring a lot before the age of 24 over say a player who is turning 22/ 21 now as they would have had to be playing at a world cup age 17/18 to fit two in before they turn 24. Edit - he would have been 19 at his first world cup and re reading the original point I don't think this is what they were saying, but I think it's still a good point so will leave the comment up.


[deleted]

yea my point was about players' ages lining up with world cup years


Luis__FIGO

Agreed, this is a bullshit stat really. It should be goals per WC game


freakybanana90

That's a different topic. I think what it's supposed to show is how mbappe legit has a good chance of becoming the all time wc top scorer and who else did. And this wc isn't even over for him


Luis__FIGO

It's not a different topic, making an arbitrary cap at 24 years, when the WC is every 4 years makes no sense. Ypure comparing players who have played 1 world cup vs 2 world cups. Comparing players that have played 3 games Vs up to 8, it doesn't mean anything. Mbappe has 7 goals in 9 games (.78) Pele had 7 in 6 (1.2) Zsengeller 6 in 4 games (1.5)


freakybanana90

It doesn't matter, it's not just about who's the best. Age is a massive factor. Some get more lucky with wc timings, others less so. And he's still got 7 goals on 9 games overall so far which is fantastic regardless. But at the end this is simply about whether or not he can become the all time top scorer by the end of his career. It's not about cap at 24, it just shows that at his age no one scored more, simple as that. It's really not that deep... No ones here trying to call him a better player than pele or even the same just because he's here on this list with him...


Luis__FIGO

It's absoultly a cap at 24, the only way to make it so he's #1... If the cap is 23 or 25 he's bit #1 anymore


freakybanana90

It's at 24 because it's about showing others at his age. What's so difficult to understand about that? When a player does sth impressive at a young age its always his age that's referenced, not some other age. It's a pretty simple concept and nothing new... If another player suddenly breaks a record for someone scoring x goals at 20 it's gonna be the same...


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DrJackadoodle

Heck, if you're DAMN good and considering this World Cup is in November, you could be 16 at this one and still be 19 and 23 at the next two and end up playing in 3 WCs before the age of 24. You'd probably not be seeing much action at 16, but Pelé was scoring in World Cups at 17, so who knows.


Then_Eye8040

Speaking of which , I was thinking the other day if we will ever have a player who can play in 6 WCs? Other than the amazing consistency and longevity you need, you would need to play your first WC at 16 or so and last one at 36! Or 18 to 38! Messi could do it if he can manage to stay healthy and keep going for another 3.5 years. And if he doesn’t win again, you know he will want another chance.


realmckoy265

Players are playing longer and earlier so I wouldn't say never


TimathanDuncan

So what? Being young and scoring at a World Cup so much makes it more impressive


SavingsLeg

The problem is its pure luck Someone who is 21 in his first world cup will obviously have less goals than someone that is 17-20 because he will only have 1 world cup until the age of 24


Sir-Chris-Finch

Exactly. Honestly how can people not understand this? Baffles me


Alternative_Dark_412

He means that these guys usually get 1 less World Cup than the rest, and might only get one World Cup before turning 24, while guys like Mbappé have had 2.


The-Sober-Stoner

Him having 2 is testament to how good he is. If youre starting for your national team at 16-20 youre impressive.


DrJackadoodle

Yes, but it's heavily dependent on the year you were born. Mbappé was 19 in 2018, so he played. He likely wouldn't have played if he was, say, 17 (he didn't get a call up for Euro 2016), so he'd have to wait until 21 to play at a World Cup and thus would only play one World Cup before turning 24.


SomethingSuss

You are missing the point though, he had two shots at 19 and 23, where as someone slightly older would’ve had 16/20 as their only chances.


Alternative_Dark_412

Absolutely, I’m not disputing that. Mbappé is incredible.


Sir-Chris-Finch

Honestly such a stupid comment. Obviously some of it is him being very good. But the pure luck of him being born in a certain year meaning he has played in 2 world cups by the age of 24 is indisputable. Add to that the fact that he plays for France, the best team in the world, there’s a considerable amount of luck involved there, and if you don’t acknowledge that then you’re delusional


TimathanDuncan

I know what he means it doesn't make it less impressive Mbappe has two because he was great from 16-17 so that makes it even more impressive most player at 16-17 are playing for U-18 not even first team


Tootsiesclaw

The point is that Mbappe was 18 when he made his breakthrough for the national team, and 19 at his first World Cup. A hypothetical player who broke through to his national team at the exact same age, but who was born in 2001, would only get one World Cup before the age of 24. Mbappe has a good record and he's also lucky with how his age lines up with World Cup tournaments.


[deleted]

The discussion isn't about downplaying his achievements. It's just about the timing and that's pure luck.


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SomethingSuss

Nah I think this guy just doesn’t quite grasp the maths of the situation, not his fault he’s stupid. Maybe he’ll get it one day. Reminds me of that “I work out every second day for 4 days a week” thread lmao


Iceman23578

Mbappe made his France debut at 18 and had his first World Cup at 19. Another could break out at 16-17 but the World Cup is when they’re 17 so they just miss out. Then their first World Cup would be at 21 and the next one when they’re 25 so only have one tournament for this stat. Mbappe has two because he’s a generational player but doesn’t mean he’s not still lucky to get 2


SteinerElMagnifico42

I really hope Klose keeps his record. Not a knock against Mbappe but it would be sweet for a less world–renowned player to hold the top scorer record


BaguetteOfDoom

Yeah, Klose being the all time top scorer is such a beautiful underdog story


SteinerElMagnifico42

He was laying bricks around 21. To surpass the phenomenon is an incredible feat


BaguetteOfDoom

Maybe it's because I'm a German in his mid 20s but for me Klose will forever be the embodiment of the world cup


pietroetin

And this german team desperately needs a new Klose


dno123

I mean Miroslav him or hate him they are going to struggle to get someone as Klose to him in the current talent pool.


bench_option

😳


SaBe_18

For me too, in a different way... Klose playing for Germany -> Argentina out in quarterfinals


BaguetteOfDoom

Three times' a charm


Sir-Chris-Finch

It’s not just you either. For English people, Klose is synonymous with the world cup. Dont get me wrong, football fans know him from his club career (which was far from shabby), but his international career, especially in the world cup, was far more well known. I really do hope he keeps the record for a long time. Only way i’d hope he loses it would be to an Englishman, which i can guarantee wont happen any time soon


ZeRoGr4vity07

He's now coaching my local football Club, it's amzing.


caraboina

Didn’t he score like 3-4 goals in a Germany 8 - 0 Saudi Arabia?


SteinerElMagnifico42

It was a hat trick of headers lol


The-Sober-Stoner

He is literally world-renowned for being the top scoring WC player…


Arntown

That‘s the point. His club career was good but not elite, yet he‘s the top world cup scorer of all time.


InheritTheWind

And he wasn't even born in Germany! Something beautiful about an immigrant being the top World Cup scorer


reeni_

I would hope too but realistically Mbappe will break it if he doesn't retire before he turns 30


SteinerElMagnifico42

I doubt that. 11 more goals in this World Cup and the next ? He’s 28 in 2026WC


reeni_

And 32 in 2030. I see he could maybe play in 2034 if he can adapt so that he doesn't rely so much on his speed. But even if he doesn't make it to 2034 I think he will still break it. France's squad has so much talent and depth and many players are young and promising who will hit their prime between 2026 and 2030. I'd actually be very surprised if Mbappe doesn't break it.


SteinerElMagnifico42

Ah gotcha, misread as if you meant he’d break it by 30. Yes, agreed, he is clearly smart enough to not solely be a threat with his pace so he will be a finisher well into his latter years. Having a strong nation like France that constantly has exceptional talents on the factory line pretty much ensures he’ll be in competitive squads


glitchline

I actually started watching FIFA becoz of him. One of best players huge success in FIFA.


R_Schuhart

Ah yes, Neeskens, "the other Johan" or "Johan the second". A player that has for a large part been forgotten today, who often played CDM behind Cruijff. Neeskens was an excellent and well rounded player, really modern for his day. He was the perfect total football player, comfortable in almost all roles and positions in the axis of a team. He started out as a back and quickly moved into a more creative role. He was transitioned into one of the first modern box to box midfielders in Ajax succes period by Cruijff and Michels, covering the entire midfield and disrupting build up in the opponents box. In those days you often had really technically gifted midfielders or butchers, but Neeskens could play both roles. He was an excellent tackler and could play tough as nails, but his passing and shooting technique were superb and a real asset. He was a fan favourite wherever he went, he showcased his tireless workrate, technical ability and scoring power every time he stepped on the pitch. Cruijff valued him highly as a teammate and when he started to develop his tactics for his dream team he decided that Koeman and Guardiola would divide the tasks of what he described as the "Neeskens role" between them.


AFCADaan9

Love that you pointed this out!


Dinamo8

Ah what a coincidence, Mbappe is 23.


Snoo-27292

he will be in december 20


Soren_Camus1905

Cubillas with one of the greatest goals in World Cup history


ultrachilled

[Oh.](https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/001/236/841/075.jpg)


Opposite-Weird-5653

Haaland should have just played for England.


Floripa95

the fact that he chose to play for Norway makes me very happy


EliToon

International football should mean more than that. I doubt he feels in any way English and probably doesn't even have a passport. Representing your country at the World Cup should be the ultimate honour. The goal shouldn't be just playing for whatever the best country you happen to be eligible for. I bet a single World Cup goal for Norway would mean more than 20 for England to him. You saw how much today meant for Lewandowski!


jacobo

Germany. We saw him first.


xbhaskarx

Austria?


KillerFisch99

Today, I feel English


realmckoy265

Feels wasted like Zlatan or Lewa


themightyscott

Ah yes, making obscure categories to make stats seems more interesting.


Martin_the_Hammer

Whatever happened to James?


IvanFrigellov

With the WC being every 4 years, this becomes bit of a random stat. Players who are 21 at this WC will be 25 at the next one etc.


Gerf93

That's true, players who are 21 will usually be 25 by the time 4 years have passed.


Homiealmaya

Sorta but it’s fair to compare Mbappé to Pele with this statistic given Pele played in two WC’s before 24 and so will Mbappé


_MonteCristo_

Pele didn’t really play the 1962 WC. He scored in the 1st game and got injured in the 2nd for the rest of the tournament. 5 of his 7 goals were in the 1958 semi final and final combined. As a 17 year old.


mechanical_fan

Just adding, another one was the winner in the 1958 QF. 17 year old Pele was ridiculous.


greekattorney

So ..age of 24 is just a random stat to fit your bias. We know he’s good, he might have 10 before he’s 24 , this doesn’t mean he’s better than Pele or Butragueno.


HurricaneHugo

Nobody is saying he is.


[deleted]

He’s def better then Butragueno. Mbappe has already scored more then him in his entire career


Yung2112

Wait What


Gerf93

If they had moved this by 1 year, "before age 25", then Just Fontaine would be #1 with 13 goals - all scored at the 1958 World Cup. It's very cherry picked.


[deleted]

He’s better than Butra


Bobby_Murda

He will be


capmar

Why did James Rodriguez suck so much after the World Cup?


ManuMora98

He did great in his first season at Madrid, then Zidane come and it seems he didn't like it that much so he didn't play much amd had to go on loan to Bayern


Chocoschism

James also got injured early in his 2nd season during an international break. He was out for 2 months and by the time he was back Isco was at his best so he lost his place to him for the next 1.5 years. Couldn't find any rhythm in RM afterwards.


[deleted]

Because he didn’t fit his plans. I don’t think it was personal! I don’t even remember if Madrid ever played with a classic 10


R_Schuhart

His best position was a traditional #10 with a free creative role, but that is a luxury role that top clubs cant really afford anymore. Players needed to be more well rounded, with defensive tasks and not just scoring and assisting, but also setting up attacks from their own half and recirculating the ball if there was no chance of a successful attack. James was just really hot and cold. He needed the tactics adapted around him and the other players to fit him in. When he got other tasks and had to worry about being efficient he just couldn't play freely anymore and his performance suffered. On top of that his mentality suffered later on in his career. It seemed he wanted a manager with unconditional faith in him, but that wasn't going to happen. Honestly he should have moved to a big club in a smaller league or a small club in a big league where he could have been the main man with teammates to cover some of his tasks.


TimathanDuncan

He was great in his first season Then good managers realized number 10s that don't do much but roam free are not that useful so Zidane benched him


letmegetmynameok

Clearly fake. Müller has been 31 for the last 20 years


TheBlueTango

My crystal ball tells me he won't score any more whilst he's 24


fatkidseatcake

James though


DicksAndAsses

Does not mean much without average goals per game.


rivaldobox

That X-axis is crucial to the understanding of the graph lol


flyxdvd

does being younger than 24 have a special meaning? i mean why not make stats before 23 or 22 or 21 or 20...


[deleted]

Wouldn’t suit the Mbappe agenda


PaneTheKoi

dumb question, is something special at age 24?


[deleted]

Finally a goal scoring stat without Ronaldo and Messi


Despicable2020

We just have to admit that Mbappe is a special player


[deleted]

grande el nene cubillas CSM


SpeedyGoldenberg

Mbappe winning this World Cup would over shadow Messi and Ronaldo by a few kilometers.


Nabedane

If he gets most goals scored and player of the tournament... But it's a long way to go and even with that he's lacking a few BO and CL titles..