FIFA World Cup: Not Messi or Mbappe, this player named best in tournament so far by ex-India captain

Lionel Messi is the leading goalscorer of the ongoing FIFA World Cup with seven goals in just four games. Kylian Mbappe is not far behind with six strikes in as many matches. However, both of them are not the best players of the tournament so far, feels former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia.

Bhutia, an Indian football legend, has said that England captain Harry Kane has been the best player of the tournament so far with Mbappe not very far behind.

Harry Kane most impressive: Bhutia

Kane currently has five goals in four games and is joint third in the list of highest goalscorers. He scored twice in the last 15 minutes to inspire England to a comeback victory over DR Congo in their last 32 clash. He had also scored twice in a tough group game against Croatia.

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"So far for me, Harry Kane has been the most impressive because he has really carried England and delivered when it really counted. They've had some big, tough matches and Kane is one player who delivers in tough situations," Bhutia told PTI in an interview on Saturday.

He also praised Mbappe who too has been in stunning form but said that the England captain has been carrying far more responsibility than the French striker.

"Obviously, France, in terms of Mbappe, has also been very good, he's delivered, as has Messi. But when it comes to one person really lifting the team, carrying the team on his shoulders, it has been Kane."

Bhutia believes that if England reach the final, Kane will get the Golden Ball, award given to the best player of the tournament.

"I think it depends on which team goes further. If England reaches the final, definitely Kane. If France go to the final, I think Mbappe. So yeah, Kane, Mbappe would be two front runners for me for the maximum goals and best player as well. I think it's going to be between two of them," the former India captain added.

Explaining why Messi is not higher up in his list, Bhutia explained, "Messi hasn't faced difficulty yet. So Round of 16 onwards, Argentina will also start facing a bit of challenge."