“As a dreamer, I think about the Blues and I believe in them. It’s the country where I was born, it’s the selection that makes all French people dream. For me, it’s even more than a dream. I have to do everything I can to get him. There is always a place to be taken. One day, when luck arrives, we will have to show that we can stay there”, explained Mohamed Simakan in February 2023, proclaiming to anyone who would listen that he dreamed of the Blues. A year later and despite some opportunities linked to injuries in particular, Didier Deschamps did not call on him despite some pre-calls.
A few hours before the disclosure of the list of 26 for Euro 2024 which will take place Thursday evening at 8 p.m., there is hope for the very versatile RB Leipzig defender. Firstly because the national coach must face a cascade of injuries and players in poor defensive form, then because DD has the possibility of expanding his group to 26 for the competition, which will perhaps allow him to try a trick or two by slipping in a surprise or two.
A versatility that can be a major asset for the Euro
Concerning the player, it is obviously the versatility of the Leipzig defender and his experience in the Champions League (21 matches and 2 goals) which work in his favor. More of a central defender at Leipzig during the first months of the season (26 matches played in the middle and 14 on the right side), Mohamed Simakan is one of the European defenders who projects the most forward. A double hat which could seduce Didier Deschamps when it comes to making final choices. If he often plays in central defense with Castello Lukeba since the departure of Gvardiol to Manchester City, he also knows how to play brilliantly on the right side.
It is in this position that he has played almost exclusively since March, showing off his qualities of speed (he was also clocked at 35.5 km/h in the Champions League), power and ball technique. And for several weeks, Simakan has returned to the very high level. With 2 assists and a goal in the last 4 matches, he also shows that he is not just a defender. Against Werder Bremen, he was everywhere on his right side, whether behind, in the middle and even in front, even offering himself the luxury of winning 6 duels, recovering 4 balls and making 2 interceptions. With 10.74 kilometers covered during the match, the former French international hopeful was the player who covered the most distance during the match.
An XXL performance in the Bundesliga that Didier Deschamps must not have missed, who must have seen the player at work in the Champions League (7 matches played including 2 matches against Manchester City and one against Real Madrid) this season. It remains to be seen whether this will be enough to allow him to join the France group for the first time? Difficult to say as the competition looks serious. Still, the fate of RB Leipzig No. 2 is now in the hands of the national coach. Definitive answer Thursday evening…
Make your list of the 26 of the French team for Euro 2024
