Which Premier League team should get Mbappe if things don't work out at Real Madrid? | ESPN FC

Summary

In this lively and humorous episode of 'Extra Time,' the hosts discuss a range of football-related topics, from personal anecdotes to the current state of players and teams. Jules shares insights into his experience as a father on the sidelines of his son's soccer games, while the panel debates the future of Kylian Mbappé and his potential Premier League move. They also discuss players' consistency, potential transfers, and speculate on future performances in major tournaments. With playful banter and a mix of serious football analysis, the conversation keeps the energy high, making for an entertaining and insightful show.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jules now takes a much calmer, more relaxed approach as a parent watching his son's soccer matches, compared to when he was more active in coaching in the past.
• 😀 Mbappé's potential move to the Premier League is discussed, with top clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal seen as possible destinations if his Real Madrid transfer doesn't happen.
• 😀 Frank predicts Liverpool will finish first, Manchester City second, Arsenal third, and Chelsea fourth in the Premier League by the end of the season.
• 😀 Jules ranks famous French figures, putting Mbappé at the top, followed by Wama and Daft Punk, while reflecting on Napoleon's historical significance.
• 😀 The debate over Roberto Sánchez's ability to improve his distribution skills at this stage of his career shows skepticism, with the consensus that improvement may be limited.
• 😀 The hosts predict that Spain and Germany are the favorites to win the Nations League, with Spain maintaining strong momentum despite missing players like Rodri.
• 😀 Frank and Jules humorously discuss which MLS teams they would join at the end of their careers, with Frank favoring LA and Jules preferring New York.
• 😀 There’s an insightful discussion on Pogba’s future, speculating that he might move to MLS or stay in Europe to boost his chances for the 2026 World Cup.
• 😀 Frank is asked to 'start, bench, or sell' three top midfielders: Rice, Caicedo, and Tchouaméni. He chooses to start Rice, bench Tchouaméni, and sell Caicedo based on consistency.
• 😀 A playful moment arises when Shaka reveals he would prefer to be a starting goalkeeper on a struggling team over being a backup keeper on a successful team like Kelleher at Liverpool.
• 😀 A lighthearted argument emerges about where football stars would want to play in the MLS, with each host humorously defending their choice of team and location.

Q & A

What is the mood of the show as it opens?

The show opens with a brief technical glitch, where the screens go black but quickly return to normal. The hosts continue the conversation lightheartedly, maintaining a casual and humorous tone throughout.

How does Jules approach being a father at his son's football games?

Jules mentions that he is much calmer now than he used to be when his son was younger. He jokes about using French on the sidelines, as it helps to communicate without others understanding, and emphasizes that he mostly enjoys watching his son play.

What are the hosts' thoughts on Kylian Mbappé's future in the Premier League?

The hosts speculate that Mbappé could fit well in the Premier League, particularly with top clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea, or Arsenal. They discuss the idea of pairing him with star players like Erling Haaland at Manchester City or Bukayo Saka at Arsenal.

How does Jules rank French icons like Mbappé, Napoleon, and Daft Punk?

Jules ranks Mbappé first, followed by Wama, and then Daft Punk. He mentions that Napoleon's legacy is complicated, as he's seen both as a genius and as a controversial figure responsible for many deaths.

What is the discussion surrounding Roberto Sánchez in the Premier League?

The hosts discuss Roberto Sánchez, noting that despite having the highest errors in the Premier League, he is still considered a quality shot stopper. They debate whether he could improve his distribution skills at this stage of his career.

Who are the favorites to win the Nations League according to the hosts?

The hosts identify Spain, Germany, and France as the top contenders for the Nations League, with Spain being the favorite due to their recent momentum, despite missing key players like Rodri.

Where would the hosts choose to play in Major League Soccer (MLS)?

The hosts discuss where they would like to play in MLS. Frank would choose Los Angeles, while Jules would opt for one of the two New York teams. There's a bit of playful back-and-forth, with some joking about the colder climates of Minnesota and Boston.

What is Frank's opinion on the current midfielders of Rice, Caicedo, and Tchouaméni?

Frank chooses to start Declan Rice, bench Aurelien Tchouaméni, and sell Moisés Caicedo, citing Rice's current consistency as the key factor in his decision.

How does Jules feel about playing football in New York?

Jules says he’s a 'New York guy' and would choose to play for one of the city's teams. However, there's some playful banter about how New York has 'gone downhill,' with Jules defending his choice despite others questioning it.

What does Craig think about his potential future in MLS?

Craig humorously mentions that he would go to MLS, preferring to play in a location where no superstars go, like Minnesota, as opposed to places like Miami where stars like Messi are playing.