Kylian Mbappe – he’s the name on everyone’s lips and football’s next big thing, there’s no doubt about it.

The 18-year-old has risen through the ranks at AS Monaco and taken Ligue 1 by storm this season with goals and skills. In fact, his form has been so impressive that fans and pundits alike have been drawing comparisons to Thierry Henry.

In the eyes of Rio Ferdinand, though, that’s not wholly accurate. The ex-Manchester United man thinks there’s another young star on the scene who is far more worthy of the prestigious Henry comparison.

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Henry - Mbappe

When you have a French winger performing so well at Monaco, it’s natural that Henry-related nostalgia is going to filter back.

Mbappe, however, goes further than matching Henry’s position and nationality. The youngster has a skillset and goal record to more than match the early years of a Premier League legend and French icon.

Having broken into the Monaco first team last season, Mbappe has kicked on during the 2016-17 campaign.

With 19 goals in 33 appearances, it seems every big team in Europe is tripping over themselves for his signature.

With Monaco in the Champions league quarterfinals and leading the Ligue 1 table, Mbappe seems to be sitting on something of a gold mine. Moreover, it may prove a little early to switch to a European juggernaut.

Besides, Henry was four years his senior by the time he moved to Arsenal and moved his career to the next level.

Ferdinand comments

Ferdinand is one man who isn’t so interested in the Frenchman, though. His focus lies more with Manchester City’s very own Leroy Sane and believes Henry comparisons should be diverted in his direction.

It’s fair to say the 38-year-old has stuck his neck out with these comments.

Speaking with BT Sport ahead of City’s clash with Chelsea, Ferdinand explained: "I think the reason [Antonio] Conte put [Cesar] Azpilicueta there is to keep a close eye on Sane with his experience and is great in one-on-one situation.

"But this kid is definitely a talent, he's got the potential to be one of the best in the league in years to come and for his first season under Pep he's gone from strength to strength...

"He's the nearest I've seen to Thierry Henry in full flow."

Wow, now that is praise and of the highest order. Despite his allegiances with United, Ferdinand is liking what he’s seeing from his Noisy Neighbours’ attack this season.

Henry - Sane

Is the German really worthy of a comparison to Henry, though?

Well, the City star has age on his side and has been playing in one of Europe’s biggest leagues for three years longer than Mbappe now. This is reflected by his solid footing in the national team with six caps to his name.

Although it took an Arsenal move to reinvigorate Henry’s career, he, like Sane, was thrown in the deep end early on. After all, he had the World Cup trophy in his hands before he’d be legal to drink in the USA.

Goals are perhaps where the difference lies and both Mbappe and Henry trump him in this department.

He may have only been in the professional game for four years, but 19 goals surely undermines comparisons to such a prolific goal scorer. Admittedly, though, both know and knew how to dribble and then some.

Regardless of Henry and Ferdinand, however, both Mbappe and Sane have promising careers ahead of him. If one or both of them turn out to be half the player Henry was, we’ll have a lot to look forward to.

Who would you rather have in your team - Sane or Mbappe? Have YOUR say in the comment box below