Désiré Doué has emerged as a central figure in the early tenure of France head coach Zinédine Zidane, earning high praise for his performance in the team’s 1-0 victory over Belgium. The Paris Saint-Germain attacker, making his 17th appearance for the national side, drew a striking comparison from former Belgium assistant coach Stéphane Jobard, who likened his playstyle to basketball icon Michael Jordan.
Stéphane Jobard’s Comparison to Michael Jordan
Following the match in Belgium, Stéphane Jobard—who previously served as an assistant to Rudi Garcia with the Belgian national team—offered a high-level assessment of the 19-year-old’s contribution. Speaking to Le Parisien, Jobard described the performance as “XXL” and highlighted the player’s unique technical profile.
“Every time I see him play, I have the impression of seeing Michael Jordan,” Jobard told Le Parisien. He noted that Doué possesses an “incredible” speed of execution in tight spaces, acting as a “catalyst” who forces the opposition’s defense to retreat and creates essential space for his teammates.
Zinédine Zidane’s Assessment of the Squad
The victory in Belgium marked Zinédine Zidane’s second win since taking charge of the French team, following an earlier 1-0 success in Turkey. Zidane implemented significant changes for the trip to Belgium, rotating nine players in his starting eleven. Despite the experimental lineup, the coach expressed satisfaction with the team’s collective discipline and tactical execution.
“Désiré was very good,” Zidane said during his post-match comments. “In the corridors, it worked very well. When we didn’t have the ball, it wasn’t easy because their two wing-backs were playing very high, and the attackers followed them well.”
Zidane acknowledged that while the team faced pressure from Belgium, the victory was deserved. “What is great is that everyone is concerned,” he added.
Zidane Evaluates Squad Rotation and Doué's Development
The match showcased France’s ability to maintain a high-pressing intensity despite the heavy rotation of the squad. Zidane noted that the team struggled slightly in the second half, which he characterized as a logical consequence of the nine changes made from the previous match in Turkey.
While Jobard pointed out that Doué’s finishing could still be refined, he maintained that the player’s role as a creative engine remains his most valuable asset at this stage of his development. The squad now looks toward the next international window as Zidane continues to evaluate his roster and refine his tactical approach for future fixtures.
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