Didier Deschamps will unveil his list on Thursday for the French team’s friendly matches against Côte d’Ivoire (March 25) and South Africa (March 29). And surprises are expected, especially in attack.
For this first list of the important year 2022, which will see the Blues defend their world title at the World Cup in Qatar next November-December, the French coach could take the opportunity to call on new players but also old ones. . If alongside the untouchables Kylian Mbappé, Karim Benzema and Antoine Griezmann the places are expensive, some could do well.
Amine Gouiri (OGC Nice)
This is one of the names that come up insistently when the lists of Didier Deschamps approach. The Nice striker continues to confirm his talent with each outing with the Aiglons. The 22-year-old striker has 12 goals and 8 assists this season in Ligue 1 and Coupe de France. Also brilliant with the Espoirs (6 goals in 16 games), Amine Gouiri has a versatile profile. Able to evolve on the wings as well as at the forefront of the attack, he is very technical and could be an interesting element in the system of the Blues.
Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig)
Finally his turn? Christopher Nkunku could also be called up for the first time in the France team for this March rally. At 24, the attacking midfielder of RB Leipzig, who arrived from PSG in 2019 for 13 million euros, exploded in Germany and even more this season. With 26 goals and 12 assists in 38 games (including 7 goals in the Champions League group stage), Nkunku continues to shine. Last November, Didier Deschamps had also confided that he was one of the serious candidates.
Olivier Giroud (AC Milan)
What if he came back? The last time he wore the jersey of the France team was June 28, 2021, the evening of the elimination of the Blues against Switzerland at the Euro. Since then, the 35-year-old striker has not had the honors of the selection. But the AC Milan striker, author of 11 goals in all competitions, is rising from the ashes like a phoenix. And while many have buried him, the one who scored 46 goals under the tricolor tunic points the tip of his nose. Enough to come back?
Ousmane Dembélé (FC Barcelona)
Another “old” is also in the small papers for a return: Ousmane Dembélé. The FC Barcelona player has been back at the top for a few weeks and in particular the arrival of Xavi on the bench of the Catalan club. Often singled out for his lack of regularity and seriousness, the former Dortmund and Rennes player once again becomes decisive and a starter at Barça. Enough to catch the eye of Didier Deschamps who has often been annoyed by the 24-year-old striker.
Gaëtan Laborde (Stade Rennais)
Author of 12 goals in Ligue 1 and 5 in the Europa League Conference, Gaëtan Laborde achieves, at 27, a full season. The opportunity for the Stade Rennais striker to have his name attached to the France team. Will he be surprised?
Ludovic Blas (FC Nantes)
He starts very far compared to the other names mentioned but with the season he is having as well as that of his club, Ludovic Blas can be the huge sensation on this March list. At 24, the ex-international hopeful has scored 12 goals this season in all competitions with Nantes. The Canaries are also having an incredible season by being finalists in the Coupe de France and fighting for European places (7and of League 1).