Ethan Mbappé impresses at Lille and wins over Ligue 1 observers

Ethan Mbappé is making a successful start to his Ligue 1 career with Lille. Fielded in the first two championship matchdays, the 19-year-old midfielder has delivered convincing performances that have caught the attention of observers, despite the 2-2 draw conceded against PSG in the second matchday.

Trained at Bondy and then at Paris Saint-Germain — which he left in the wake of his brother Kylian’s move to Real Madrid — Ethan has chosen a different path by signing with LOSC. A gamble that appears, for now, to be paying off. Long hampered by recurring injuries, he is taking advantage of a season start spared from physical setbacks to string together starts.

Consultant Walid Acherchour delivered an enthusiastic first verdict. « I’m attached to his story, because arriving in the shadow of a monster like his big brother… I followed him a bit in the youth ranks. He was a midfielder, in the Thiago Motta mold in front of the defence, playing two at a time, but with incredible technical quality. Now, the guy has legs, » he said.

The observer was particularly struck by Ethan’s performance against PSG. « He put the Paris defenders on their backs the entire first half. There’s a connection with the rest of the team. Honestly, I want to follow Ethan Mbappé’s season. He’s a very credible player and he’s a little gem of our Ligue 1. »

The praise is flattering, but the season is only just beginning and Ethan Mbappé will need to confirm over time. The younger of the Mbappé brothers will have a quick opportunity to continue his momentum in the third matchday, with a trip to Toulouse (20:45).