BARCELONA ‘CASTING’ IN PARIS
Catalan giants will watch France stars in international clash with Spain
BARCELONA would be keeping a close eye on proceedings in Paris as technical director Robert Fernandez would watch three of France’s brightest talents in their international friendly with Spain late yesterday.
Despite four of their own players included in Spain’s national squad, the Catalan giants will be auditioning Monaco stars Kylian Mbappe and Thomas Lemar and midfielder Corentin Tolisso, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
Mbappe has burst onto the scene in a scintillating breakthrough season for the Ligue 1 leaders and is now featuring on many of Europe’s most wanted lists.
The 18-year-old is one of the most talked about talents after scoring 19 goals in 32 games in all competitions for the French club.
He harbours blistering pace and has shown a composure in front of goal which has brought about premature comparisons to compatriot Thierry Henry.
Meanwhile, the Spanish giants could be looking to strengthen elsewhere, with Mbappe’s teammate Lemar seemingly on Barca’s wishlist.
Lemar moved to Monaco from Caen in 2015 and has featured heavily during this campaign. This season the midfielder has contributed more goals to his game, scoring seven in the league and 11 in all competitions.
His form earned him his first France cap in November and the 21-year-old is tipped to be the future of the French midfield.
Tolisso, who plies his trade for Lyon, has had a steadier rise to prominence. The midfielder has already turned out 140 games for the French club at the age of 22.
Tolisso saw defender Samuel Umtiti leave Lyon to join the La Liga outfit last summer and could follow suit, should director Fernandez deem him worthy. Daily Mail