Back at his best with Inter Milan, Benjamin Pavard is applying for a starting place in central defense for the France team. Some already see it there.
Revelation on the French side during the 2018 World Cup, Benjamin Pavard then had a more complicated story than expected in the selection. Aligned on the right side of the defense by Didier Deschamps, the trained central defender hoped to be placed back in the hinge by his coach. In vain. And so much so that there was water in the gas between the two men four years later, at the start of the 2022 World Cup, Pavard being downgraded and placed on the bench never to move from the competition. But a year later, the situation has evolved again and for Euro 2024, the former Bayern Munich player could well establish himself in the position he wants.
Because since his transfer last summer from Bayern to Inter Milan, Benjamin Pavard has transformed. With the Milan club, he has regained his splendor and he showed it again a few days ago during his team’s success against Juventus (1-0). Author of a high-level performance, the Frenchman was praised by critics and was also elected man of the match. A performance which confirms the rise in power of the player who plays in a three-way defense. For some, Benjamin Pavard is now applying for a starting place with the Blues. And why not in the central hinge.
“It is indisputable”
Questioned on the subject, Loïc Tanzi took the bet that the Frenchman would be in Didier Deschamps’ starting lineup during the next Euro. The journalist explained this on Tuesday, on the set of the channel The Team. “ If he continues like this until the end of the season, there is no doubt. It must be. He is one of the two best, even the best French central defender. (Dayot) Upamecano is injured at the moment, (Ibrahima) Konaté is not so bad with Liverpool at the moment but he is flourishing at Inter. (…) Since he returned from his injury in December, he is indisputable. »
The fight will therefore be tight between the different applicants for the position of central defender of the France team. Two places including one for Benjamin Pavard? Loïc Tanzi has in any case put a coin on the presence of the player among the starters. “ We found a happy Benjamin Pavard on the field. I have no doubt that he will be at the Euro and that he will start. »
