The big bad wolf in the club, and the little black sheep in the Blues. Four years after Marcus Thuram’s first selection for the French team, French supporters are still waiting. Will we one day see the best version of the Milanese, the one who unabashedly arrived in Italy a year ago, before becoming the new darling of the Nerazzurri fans? Let’s say that for the moment, Thuram is struggling to get rid of the gray areas when he sets foot in the selection, which is partly explained by the absence of another number 9 at his side, as is the case at Inter with Lautaro Martinez.
This summer, Didier Deschamps still took the gamble of installing him as his starter at the Euro. An idea which has not really found any extension in the field. Quite ordinary during his outings against Austria, the Netherlands, Poland and Belgium, Thuram was finally downgraded, observing Kolo Muani grilling him from the substitutes’ bench. Last month, against Belgium, the French coach offered him a new opportunity to express himself. He had shown good will, a terrible compliment when you know the qualities of the player. That evening, moreover, the light once again came from the bench, and in particular from Kolo Muani.
Didier Deschamps is aware of his player’s lack of efficiency
This Sunday at a press conference, Didier Deschamps was invited to comment on the situation of his player, frustrating for everyone: it’s always better if they (the attackers) mark. Concerning Marcus, he is very effective with his club, in a very particular system too… He has a step to take hereobserves Deschamps. He had a little problem after his last championship match, he is better today. But when the new generation players arrive, we must neither propel them nor condemn them. Like Michael (Olise), his potential is enormous, but for offensive players, the gap is higher. They almost have an obligation to be decisive. It requires tranquility to make the gesture as calmly as possible.
Obviously, Deschamps remains well aware that his player has not yet given his full potential in the selection. And he still invites patience, again: “Marcus had a lot of chances but unfortunately they didn’t result in goals. You need confidence. Afterwards, he didn’t start every match, but he also has other qualities: he is generous, can play several positions… But potentially, because of what he is capable of doing, it remains very interesting. Materializing it at the highest international level also takes time. » For his part, Aurélien Tchouameni did not seem to worry about his teammate: “he’s a very great player, he shows it at club. It’s a different pattern of play here, but we know that as soon as he’s on the field, he’s an extra offensive weapon for us.” He will certainly have a new opportunity to show it tomorrow against Belgium, for his 27th selection. With the hope of scoring his 3rd goal for the Blues.
