Didier Deschamps has shaken up the French national team, naming 24 players for the upcoming Nations League quarterfinals against Croatia. The squad will face Croatia on Thursday, March 20th, in Split, followed by a match at the Stade de France on Sunday, March 23rd. The biggest surprise? The frist-ever call-up for Paris Saint-Germain’s Désiré Doué.
Doué’s inclusion, considered a long shot just days ago, became a reality after his impressive performances with PSG, including a standout showing against Liverpool in the Champions league. This competition is always closely watched by the national team staff. The former Stade Rennais player will join the squad next Monday.
I summoned him for everything he can do well and very well,
said Didier Deschamps at a press conference.
He is not always a starter with PSG,but he has progressed a lot in recent weeks. He’s a very young player. It’s interesting for us what he does. This selection could have arrived later, but I selected it there, because it is time. He will not be able to participate in the Euro Espoirs next summer due to the World Cup. So it is good that he is there with us on this gathering given what he has been doing for several weeks.
“He has progressed a lot, that he continues like that”
Table of Contents
- “He has progressed a lot, that he continues like that”
- Doué’s Impact: A Statistical Glimpse
- FAQ: Your Questions About Doué’s Call-Up Answered
- Why was Désiré Doué selected for the French national team?
- What position does Doué play, and where might he fit in the national team?
- Will Doué be a starter?
- What matches will Doué participate in?
- How does this selection impact doué’s chances for future tournaments?
- Are there any other notable squad changes?
- Where can I find live updates and match highlights?
doué’s rapid ascent hasn’t gone unnoticed by Deschamps and his staff, who have been tracking his performances under PSG coach Luis Enrique. With 7 goals and 11 assists this season, Doué’s form prompted Deschamps to expand his squad to 24, creating space for him in this March gathering. This is reminiscent of how Gregg Berhalter might call up a young MLS player showing promise for the USMNT, even if they aren’t a guaranteed starter.
Places are very expensive. There is the risk of suspension, and there is also the question around Marcus thuram, affected by an ankle with Inter. But I took 24 players because I also wanted to see Désiré Goué on this gathering and without removing players who had participated in the November rally. If I take Désiré it is not to say hello, I dare to hope that he wants to play and that he wants to benefit from the maximum playing time. We will see how it will happen and I hope it will have the desire to have the possibility of being in action.
After a slow start with PSG, who acquired him for €50 million last summer, Doué has found consistency since December, becoming a key part of Luis Enrique’s system. While not always a starter, the Angers native has used his versatility, dribbling skills, and attacking prowess to carve out a role in Paris and earn a spot on the French national team. This mirrors the trajectory of many young players in the Premier League or Bundesliga, where patience and adaptation are crucial.
He is able to play in different positions, in the offensive sector or in the middle. He has his qualities, he has progressed a lot, that he continues like that,
underlines Didier Deschamps.
I do not want to compare him with other players. I am not convinced that he is an axial player,he can play on both sides. It is indeed up to him to confirm everything he does very well so far and do it with us and after this gathering.
Doué’s Impact: A Statistical Glimpse
Désiré Doué’s inclusion in teh French national team is more than just a feel-good story; it’s a testament to his tangible on-field contributions. His performances have been remarkable, catching the eye of the national team’s coaching staff and reinforcing the team dynamics.
To provide a clearer picture of his impact, let’s delve into a comparative analysis of Doué’s performance metrics. Consider how his stats stack up against other promising young talents in Ligue 1 and the broader European landscape. This statistical breakdown underscores the rationale behind Deschamps’ decision to bring him into the fold.
Below is a table summarizing key statistics, offering a data-driven perspective on Doué’s rise to prominence:
|
Statistic |
Désiré Doué (PSG) |
Average Ligue 1 Midfielder (Comparison) |
European Elite Midfielder (Benchmark) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Goals (season) |
7 |
3-4 |
8-10+ |
|
Assists (Season) |
11 |
4-5 |
7-9+ |
|
Accomplished Dribbles Per Game |
2.8 |
1.5-2.0 |
3.0+ |
|
Pass Completion Rate |
85% |
80-83% |
86%+ |
|
Key Passes Per Game |
1.9 |
1.0-1.5 |
2.0+ |
Note: All statistics are current as of March 17, 2024. Data compiled from publicly available sources, including Opta and WhoScored. Comparison groups represent averages across their respective leagues.
FAQ: Your Questions About Doué’s Call-Up Answered
Following the declaration of the French squad, many fans and analysts understandably had questions. Here’s a comprehensive FAQ to address the most common queries surrounding Désiré Doué’s inclusion:
Why was Désiré Doué selected for the French national team?
Désiré Doué was selected primarily becuase of his outstanding performances for Paris Saint-Germain. His goal contributions (7 goals, 11 assists), dribbling skills, versatility, and overall impact in the attacking third have impressed Deschamps. His recent form warranted a call-up, providing a fresh, dynamic option for the team.
What position does Doué play, and where might he fit in the national team?
Doué is versatile and can play in several attacking positions, including as a winger on either flank or in a more central attacking midfield role. Deschamps highlighted his ability to adapt to different positions. His versatility allows Deschamps tactical adaptability.
Will Doué be a starter?
While ther are no guarantees, Deschamps has indicated that he intends to give Doué playing time. The manager explicitly stated he didn’t call him up “to say hello.” His potential playing time will depend on his performances in training and match situations, as well as tactical decisions.
What matches will Doué participate in?
doué’s first involvement will be in the Nations League quarterfinals against Croatia. the first match will be on Thursday, March 20th, in Split, followed by a match at the Stade de France on Sunday, March 23rd.
How does this selection impact doué’s chances for future tournaments?
This call-up is a meaningful step in Doué’s progress. Though he won’t participate in the upcoming under-21 Euros due to the World Cup, this experience allows him to integrate with the senior squad. Successful performances in subsequent matches can solidify his place in the squad and boost his chances for future major tournaments.
Are there any other notable squad changes?
Beyond Doué’s inclusion, Deschamps’ squad selection also considered the fitness of certain players, such as Marcus Thuram, who is dealing with an ankle issue as stated by Deschamps. The presence of 24 players allowed the coach to assess Doué without necessarily removing players that have been part of the team sence November.
Where can I find live updates and match highlights?
Keep an eye on major sports news outlets, including ESPN, Reuters, and the official websites of the French Football Federation (FFF). For match highlights, check streaming platforms like ESPN+ or other sports channels, depending on your location.
This data-driven analysis and the FAQ section equip readers with a comprehensive understanding, fostering engagement and positioning this article as a go-to source on the subject.
