Jonathan Clauss has, perhaps, officially launched his story with the French team. Friday evening, at the Johan Cruyff Arena, the Marseille full-back celebrated his return to the French jersey, having not been called up by Didier Deschamps since the defeat against Denmark in the Nations League on September 25, 2022. For his seventh selection, the 31-year-old player has, in fact, shone within an unprecedented defense made up of Ibrahima Konaté, Lucas Hernandez and his brother Théo, established on the left side. Continuing his performances with OM since the start of the season, the native of Strasbourg delivered a very high-level and more than valuable performance a few months before Euro 2024.
Credited with an 8 by the FM editorial team and great architect of the victory (2-1) for the Blues, the former RC Lens player quickly proved his contribution in the right lane. On his first breakthrough, the French number 3, offset by Antoine Griezmann, also found Kylian Mbappé for the opener (7th). A decisive passer and carried by this perfect cross, the Phocaean subsequently maintained a very high level. Inspired in his defensive interventions, available for his partners and multiplying the climbs on his wing, Clauss then distilled precise crosses for Randal Kolo Muani and others. More than his performance, Clauss also brings freshness and a certain modernity to the offensive front of the Blues.
Clauss, strong candidate for Euro 2024?
Excellent news for Didier Deschamps, delighted by the qualification of his team for Euro 2024, who can now rely on a profile with full confidence and playing in this position under the Marseille tunic. An also perfect copy for the person concerned, thus scoring valuable points in his match at a distance with Benjamin Pavard, Jules Koundé or even Malo Gusto, who entered at the end of the match (80th) and much less convincing than his predecessor over the few minutes played . To illustrate this potential future takeover of power from Marseillais on the right side, note that Clauss offered himself his first decisive pass after 7 selections.
A much less flattering result for his direct competitors since Pavard can only boast of three offerings in 53 selections while Koundé has no assist in 23 selections… After a last overall disappointing rally, the number 3 necessarily relished this return to the foreground under the tricolor tunic. “When I arrived here I came with other intentions, to put emotions aside. I decided to face myself this week by being less in the dream than the first times, I left the emotions aside. I arrived with one goal in mind, it was to be ready, now I’m enjoying it. On the assist I don’t know if I’m celebrating, I’m just happy that we score and that we lead.declared the person concerned at the microphone of TF1. Relaunched on his performance by the L’Equipe channelClauss also sent a strong message for the months to come.
“We are happy for the qualification. That was the goal, we had talked about it all week. Obviously participating in this kind of performance always feels good. We worked well, the guys integrated me well again this week so it feels good and makes it easier to free myself. What if I scored points? I don’t know. I’m going to debrief my match. We’ll see after. The coach spoke to me about the fact that the defensive aspect was more important than the offensive. Now it’s part of my game. I don’t know if I scored any points but I’m quite happy with my first feelings after the match. I arrived focused. I put my emotions aside and that was important for me and to show the group that I’m not here anymore just to look cute on TV.”. There is no doubt that his performance will, in any case, not go unnoticed by Didier Deschamps who also soberly admitted that his protégé had “made a lot of effort”…
