Mbappe or Haaland? Thierry Henry wades into most complete player debate | OneFootball

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry admits he'd choose to coach and work with Kylian Mbappe rather than Erling Haaland, if given the opportunity to do so.

Mbappe and Haaland played starring roles during Tuesday's hugely entertaining Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City, which ended with the former emerging 3-2 winners thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Jude Bellingham.

Haaland drew first blood in the contest, smartly tucking home from Josko Gvardiol's cushioned header, before Mbappe fortuitously levelled the game by shinning home a volley that wrong-footed Ederson in City's goal.

The game looked to swinging the way of the Premier League champions, with Haaland again on the scoresheet, this time from the penalty spot, but late strikes from Brahim Diaz and Bellingham ensured the 15-time Champions League winners will head back to Madrid with the advantage.

Mbappe has spent the majority of his career playing on the left wing, but is now tasked with operating as Madrid's central striker. Haaland, meanwhile, is regarded by many as the best 'number nine' in world football, owing to his incredible goal record at club and international level.

Comparisons are often drawn between the two, with many questioning who is the better player, and Henry was asked for his opinion during punditry duties for CBS Sports.

"Kylian, for me, has more of a pass," Henry began. "I'll explain. This is a guy that's trying to play as a nine for one and a half years. They tried to do it at Paris Saint-Germain and it didn't work out too much. Now he is doing it at Real Madrid, the biggest club in Europe. He has to adapt to that.

"This guy has been playing as a nine since the beginning of his career," Henry continued, speaking about Haaland. "We thought that they were going to be the two guys that were going to come after [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo. But now, instead of having a confirmation of what they are, people are still questioning the way they play.

"But not the stats, because the stats are magnificent in terms of goals. Maybe not the two best, but they are top. People will argue. People will say Mbappe. Some people will say Vinicius [Junior]. Some people will say Lamine Yamal is coming. Whatever. I'm just saying it is not a sure thing. We thought it was going to be a sure thing."

Quizzed further on who he'd rather coach as a manager, Henry quickly asserted: "Mbappe, all day," he said. "Because he does - or offers - different options. For a coach, he can play on the right, he can play on the left, and he can play in the middle. Can Haaland play any position other than a nine?"

Were the two to be simplistically compared in terms of stats – and specifically goals scored – Haaland has the edge on his compatriot during 2024/25. The Norwegian has netted 27 times in 34 matches across all competitions, whereas Mbappe has 24 to his name in 36 outings – still incredibly impressive numbers when the circumstances of his move are taken into account.