Rabiot: '90% of France's goals depend on Mbappe'
"Mbappe is France's most powerful weapon, and 80% to 90% of the team's goals will go to him, because he has the ability to accelerate or create chances," Rabiot said on December 7. "But we are not dependent on Mbappe, because there are still many players who can make a difference in different ways. We trust him as well as the other players in the team."
Mbappe is leading the race to win the 2022 World Cup Golden Shoe with 5 goals, two or more goals than other players. In addition, France only has two players to score this period: striker Olivier Giroud with three goals and Rabiot with one goal.
Rabiot said one of his duties is to cover the back of Mbappe. "My task is not confined to the midfield, but I play more freely," said the Juventus midfielder. "I cover for Mbappe, but I am also allowed to go on the defensive continuously. Coach Didier Deschamps believes I can do it for 90 minutes. Being free to play, I express myself better."
It was Rabiot who scored the first goal for France at the 2022 World Cup, when he penetrated the penalty area and headed to equalize 1-1 in the opening match against Australia 4-1 on November 22. He also said that he is "enjoying the best days of his career".
Rabiot was once on the backup list for the 2018 World Cup but he withdrew. Two years later, he had no contact with coach Deschamps, before being called back to prepare for the Euros. Rabiot played at Euro 2021 but in the role of left-back, when France was eliminated in the round of 16. This time he took his place in the central midfield role alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, with Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante absent due to injury.
The 27-year-old midfielder also said that he has matured much more than a few years ago. "I have matured in thinking and playing. I am more focused on football, less errors. I have confidence in myself and that contributes to perfecting the way I play," he said.
France will meet England in the quarter-finals and Rabiot sees the two teams as having many similarities. He added: "Both teams have full-backs who often come forward to attack, the central midfielder will cover them. The attack of both teams is also very strong. I don't know if France should limit attacking England or not. But England will also be very cautious because we can make it difficult for them.. The game will be open and the difference may be in the set-piece. We are not stronger than England, and the battle in the midfield will be. importance".
Rabiot's contract with Juventus expires at the end of the 2022-2023 season and he said he wants to try his hand at the Premier League. The 27-year-old midfielder was contacted by Man Utd in the summer of 2022, but the deal collapsed at the last minute.
