“I saw all the players, apart from Brice Samba who was not involved. I was able to get answers, yes, in relation to the next deadlines”. This is what Didier Deschamps declared, a few minutes after the new success of the France team against Azerbaijan (3-1), Sunday evening. Already assured of participating in the next World Cup in North America after their victory (4-0) against Ukraine last Thursday, the Blues finally closed this qualifying campaign undefeated. A final meeting offering the opportunity for some to show themselves and thus hope to have a place on the plane which will cross the Atlantic next June.
Akliouche scored valuable points
Besides Malo Gusto, author of two assists yesterday and very active in his right lane, many offensive players shone during this November gathering. This is particularly the case of Hugo Ekitike. Less visible in Baku, the Liverpool striker nevertheless scored valuable points when he came on against the Ukrainians, scoring his first goal for the selection in the process. But it’s not the only one. At 23, Maghnes Akliouche has also convinced. Already striking against Ukraine, the Monegasque confirmed against Azerbaijan.
Aligned on the right side in the 4-2-3-1 installed by Didier Deschamps, the native of Tremblay-en-France was involved in all three goals. He first started Malo Gusto on Jean-Philippe Mateta’s equalizer before scoring the second and taking the corner leading to the third. Replaced by Florian Thauvin after the hour mark, the 5-cap international was logically enjoying the final whistle. “It’s a lot of pride for me to score my first goal with the Blues. It’s good pressure for me. Being good and decisive is important for an offensive player. I’m happy. Little by little, it is also felt on the pitch, I am more and more comfortable in the selection. I am happy with myself”. A feeling also shared by his coach.
Mateta and Ekitike decisive
“With his temperament he was a little introverted at the beginning, he let himself go a little more. He scored today (Sunday, editor’s note), he made sure to improve his playing time. He was able to take a step forward.noted the French technician, confirming the rise in power of the 1m83 left-hander but also specifying that“there are a lot of offensive players counting the many absent from this gathering”. In ambush to win the precious sesame – namely a place in the list of players who will participate in the most prestigious competition – Jean-Philippe Mateta also took advantage of the playing time granted by Deschamps to shine. By equalizing with a header, the Crystal Palace striker became the first player to score in his first two matches as a starter for France since Louis Saha in May 2004.
“We always have the ability to create chances and score goals, with an average of more than two goals per match. (Jean-Philippe) Mateta, it’s his second start, he scores, it’s very good for him. Hugo Ekitike is gaining confidence too. He is a young player, with a lot of dynamism. He has an ability to punch with his speed. These are offensive elements that are added”recognized Didier Deschamps in this capacity after the meeting. Relaunched on the performance of Khéphren Thuram, credited with a 6.5 by the FM editorial team after his very good outing, the former OM coach still distributed the good points. “He’s a midfielder, and if he can score, he’s not going to be asked. He too was able to have more playing time. It’s always important to see the players in action. Obviously, if he could have been credited with a goal, it would have given a little extra to his performance. He has technical quality and a percussion capacity which allows him to make a difference”.
Thuram, Ekitike, Mateta, Akliouche, Gusto… Many people took advantage of this match in Baku to send a strong signal to the French coach. Established from the start in Azerbaijan, Warren Zaire-Emery also did well, confirming his great rise in power with Paris Saint-Germain. Back in the selection after missing the last two meetings, Rayan Cherki, for his part, showed a more timid face, alternating between the good and the less good. Finally, in defense, Lucas Hernandez did not particularly shine. One thing is certain, all these lovely people now have six months to convince the architect of the vice-world champions to be one of the players who will compete in the World Cup next summer in America, especially since there will only be one gathering between now and then (in March) to prove himself.
