Despite Mbappe’s record-breaking exploits – with Tuesday’s brace taking his World Cup tally to 14 goals, leaving him just two shy of matching the tournament’s all-time top scorers, Lionel Messi, who drew level with his hat-trick after France’s win, and Miroslav Klose – Henry was careful to distinguish between individual brilliance and tactical importance. He remains a huge admirer of the French captain but suggested that the team’s structural integrity now relies heavily on Olise’s presence in the final third.
Henry said: “(Mbappe) will always be our MVP. Michael Olise is starting to be our MIP, most important player. Kylian answered the call and I was very confident. I said I will back him to answer the call and he did. He will always be our MVP. Michael Olise is starting to be our MIP, the most important player.”
