Jayson Molumby relishing the challenge of facing Kylian Mbappé’s France

Rory Fleming

The Irish midfielder is looking forward to testing himself against the world’s best.

Ireland face perhaps the biggest test of Stephen Kenny’s reign on Monday night, as consecutive World Cup finalists France head to Dublin off the back an imperious 4-0 victory over the Netherlands.

Whilst Irish fans may be fretting over the thought of Kylian Mbappé and co facing up against a youthful Irish side who struggled to overcome Latvia last time out, one man is relishing the opportunity to test himself against the 2018 World Cup champions.

Kylian Mbappé scored a brace in Les Bleus’ win over the Netherlands. (Credit: Getty Images)

Speaking to the media at FAI HQ in Abbotstown, West Brom midfielder Jayson Molumby was on hand to offer the players’ perspective ahead of the sold-out Aviva Stadium clash.

To date, the 23-year-old has amassed 18 Irish caps since making his senior debut against Finland back in 2020, becoming a fixture of Stephen Kenny’s midfield alongside Burnley midfielder Josh Cullen.

However, the occasion of facing a star-studded French team will be undoubtedly the biggest challenge of the young Waterford man’s career to date, with Molumby discussing the magnitude of the game with the attending press.

Molumby starred in Ireland’s 3-0 victory over Scotland last summer. (Credit: Getty Images)

“Absolutely, it’ll be the highest (profile game) for sure, the biggest game I’ll have played in if I feature. These are the games everyone wants to play in and that you dream of as a kid and hopefully the atmosphere will be electric which I’m sure it will be”, the former Ireland Under 21 captain said.

On the prospect of pitting himself up against a French midfield containing the likes of Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni and Juventus’ Adrien Rabiot, the former Brighton academy player was eager to stress that he sees no player as infallible.

“These players are playing at the very top level of world football. They obviously got to the final of the World Cup and are playing at massive clubs… but the next few days we’ll look at individual clips (with the coaching staff) to identify what their strengths are, but also their weaknesses. Because every player has a weakness”.

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 | Jayson Molumby 🇮🇪

The Ireland midfielder spoke to the media ahead of Monday's game against France on:

▪️ Latvia
▪️ France's midfield
▪️ Mbappé
▪️ Dara O'Shea#IRLFRA #COYBIG #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/R07f8SjuPq

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 25, 2023

Despite the French squad possessing a frightening collection of talent all over the pitch, there is one player Molumby is particularly keen to compete against- the newly-appointed French captain Kylian Mbappé.

Having scored a brace in the 4-0 demolition of the Dutch, the PSG attacker has carried on his extraordinary international form which saw him net a hat trick in last December’s World Cup Final.

“He’s obviously incredible, there’s no other word to describe him. He’s an unbelievable player who has already achieved so much in his career at such a young age, so I’m really looking forward to playing against him”, remarked an enthusiastic Molumby.

Irish fans will be hoping Molumby’s determined attitude rubs off on the rest of Stephen Kenny’s squad, as Ireland bid to kick-start their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with another memorable night at Lansdowne Road.

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