Désiré Doué is back in business. Absent from the field since his calf injury during the Blues' 2-0 victory against Ukraine last September, the young French international (5 caps) made his comeback this Friday, during the reception of Strasbourg on behalf of the 8th day of Ligue 1 (3-3). After the time of controversy and use deemed abusive in the blue jersey, the former star of Stade Rennais took his place in the hybrid 4-3-3 designed by Luis Enrique.
Aligned in a midfield role alongside Senny Mayulu and just ahead of Kang-In Lee, the 20-year-old was quick to remind the Parc des Princes of the extent of his talent. Aerial and as punchy as ever, the native of Angers quickly took the game into his own hands and lit the first fuse, perfectly deflected by Mike Penders (3rd). Not enough to calm the enthusiasm of the favorite for the next Golden Boy. After a superb combination with Bradley Barcola, the Parisian number 14 offered a caviar to the former Lyonnais for the opening score for the reigning European champions (1-0, 6th).
A decisive pass, a penalty caused and a lot of waste…
Author of a thunderous start to the match, the Parisian would nevertheless gradually fade away. Less visible and more imprecise (7 duels won out of 18 contested, 0 successful dribbles out of 9 attempted), he was even at fault on Strasbourg's second goal by giving the ball back to Moreira (41st). A guilty mistake which, however, did not prevent him from waking his family up again a few minutes later. Launched from deep, Doué anticipated Penders' exit to offer a penalty, converted by the ghostly Gonçalo Ramos (3-2, 58th). Still too physically weak to play the entire match, the great hope of French football was finally replaced, at the hour mark and to the cheers of the Parc des Princes, by the young Quentin Ndjantou (61st).
Credited with a 5 by the FM editorial staff, Doué will remain, despite everything, one of the players in this spectacular draw. After the match, his coach, Luis Enrique, focused more on the defensive fragility of his team rather than the checkered performance of the 20-year-old Frenchman. “No coach takes pleasure when he concedes three goals. It's impossible to be happy. But I'm always looking to improve my work. I am lucky to have a lot of information to analyze, and we will rely on it to progress”.
