“Who needs Mbappe?”, “Put some respect on his name” - Fans left stunned by 27-year-old France star in 2-0 win over Belgium

Kylian Mbappe started on the bench in France's win over Belgium in the UEFA Nations League on Monday, September 9. Didier Deschamps' side returned to winning ways after suffering a 3-1 loss to Italy last week.

Goals from Randal Kolo Muani (29') and Ousmane Dembele (57') handed the French a 2-0 win over Kevin de Bruyne's Belgium. The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) duo were on fire for their national side with Muani opening the scoring in the first half hour by smashing in the rebound after Koen Casteels saved Dembele's shot.

Just over 10 minutes into the second half, Dembele scored a brilliant solo goal to double Les Blues' advantage. The 27-year-old ambipedal forward played a quick one-two on the edge of the box before beating two defenders and smashing the ball into the roof of the net.

After the match, social media was abuzz with the exploits of the PSG duo in France's victory.

"Who needs Mbappe when you got Dembele and Kolo?," posted a user on X.

Another user called for respect to be given to Dembele.

"Put some respect on his name now please," they wrote.

Some Les Blues fans were critical of Mbappe after the Real Madrid star started on the bench.

"So he Was the problem?" a fan questioned.

"France beating Belgium without Mbappe," posted another.

Several other fans showered Dembele with praise.

"When Ousmane Dembele decides he wants to play football he turns into the best winger in the world, it's crazy man," opined a fan.

"What a Golazo man..," a user shared his thoughts on Dembele's solo goal.

"They thought he fell off," a fan mocked others for doubting Dembele.

"Dembouz is him," a user praised the PSG star.

"Boy is cooking," shared another user.

Dembele has been widely criticized in France due to his injury issues as well as inconsistent performances, especially during the 2024 Euros. On Monday, however, he put on a masterclass to silence his critics and win over fans.

Kylian Mbappe's positioning explained by France manager Didier Deschamps

Kylian Mbappe played as a striker in their 3-1 loss to Italy (September 6), with manager Didier Deschamps clarifying his role in the team.

In an interview with Telefoot, the France manager spoke about the new Real Madrid signing's best attributes and what he expects of him.

"He is an attacker who is playing in a central position, which suits him with quite a lot of freedom, but if you’re expecting him to be a pivot player, he isn’t that. He is playing in this position with us, and he is playing there at club level too, with that freedom that he needs," Deschamps said.

Deschamps surprised everyone by naming Mbappe on the bench for the heavyweight Nations League clash against Belgium. France, however, didn't need the Real Madrid attacker as they raced to a 2-0 lead before the 25-year-old came off the bench in the second half.

Although Kylian Mbappe's introduction didn't affect the scoreline, he had a decent game. He took four shots in the 23 minutes he spent on the field, hitting the target twice while also making two key passes to his teammates.