Mbappe: Di Maria deserves to start against Real Madrid Champions League - Real Madrid vs PSG Youngster also argues against Ronaldo's decline

Paris Saint-Germain attacker Kylian Mbappe raved about current teammate and former Real Madrid midfielder Angel Di Maria following their cup game against Sochaux, and also spoke about his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Di Maria scored a hat-trick for PSG as they won 4-1 at Sochaux in the Coupe de France and the 19-year-old recognises how vital the Argentine is.

"We all know very well how important Di Maria is for us," said Mbappe. "He allows us to carry on winning games.

"He deserves to start against Real Madrid [in the Champions League on 14 February], but I'm not the coach."

Mbappe also discussed Cristiano Ronaldo and he believes that the Portuguese forward is still one of the best in the world.

"Ronaldo is not in decline," he said. "If he is in decline, then there are many more players who are facing the same plight.

"Cristiano is a great player and hopefully he remains calm against us."

As PSG look to knock Real Madrid out of the Champions League, Mbappe realises that they will need to be aware of the likes of Ronaldo.

"We will prepare for the game by paying attention to their strengths," he said.

"And Cristiano is one of his strengths in the team."