Robert Pires has insisted Olivier Giroud should be picked ahead of teenage wonder boy Kylian Mbappe if France wants to win big at the World Cup.
The Gunners legend believes Mbappe’s tender age of 18 and lack of experience would be a risk for the national team heading into the sport's showpiece tournament.
Speaking to Le Parisien, he said: “Have people forgotten his age or what? He is only 18 years old.
“He has a potential to be way above the average and yes it is absolutely necessary that it plays, but from there to make him a leader? It is too much pressure on him. Do not burn his wings.”
Pires’ comments come as Didier Deschamps decides his team for Tuesday’s home tie with Belarus with one eye on next summer in Russia.
Deschamps already opted to play the Paris Saint-Germain star up front with Alexandre Lacazette and Antoine Greizmann on Saturday which secured them a 1-0 victory over Bulgaria.
Despite acknowledging Mbappe’s world-class potential, Pires thinks the pressure would be too much for the youngster and called on Deschamps to name Giroud as his first-choice striker.
He continued: “I was surprised as the choice of the system. I prefer 4-4-2 which allows having two attackers and real wingmen who can work offensively and defensively. I find it more balanced.
“With Lacazette, you have to be patient. Defensively he made efforts. I do not worry in the long term.
“But for the World Cup, Deschamps will not change much and will respect the hierarchy with Giroud before Lacazette. With Olivier, he can count on a great pro who will never pose a problem and you can rely on him.”
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Giroud has spent much of this season on the bench, being named a substitute in all of his seven Premier League appearances so far. He has made 67 international appearances for France, scoring 27 goals.
The Arsenal-striker admitted he was “very close” to joining Everton in the summer but insisted he has no regrets about staying at the Emirates.