De Bruyne: Mbappe? A year ago I didn't know who he was

The Man City favourite comes up against one of football's hottest young talents on Tuesday, but admits he was late to hear about the youngster

Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has admitted that he knew very little of Kylian Mbappe until the season before last, though has tipped the attacker to be a star for the next 15 years.

France and Mbappe meet De Bruyne and his international colleagues in Tuesday's World Cup semi-final in St Petersburg, with the teenage forward having sprung to prominence 18 months ago after breaking into Monaco's first team.

Manchester City favourite De Bruyne conceded he barely knew about the youngster before he scored in both legs of a remarkable Champions League last-16 tie against his club that finished 6-6 on aggregate, with the Ligue 1 side prevailing on away goals.