Mateta’s France Debut Sparks Excitement as Deschamps Announces New Blues List
The France national team, under Didier Deschamps, has named a squad that includes a first call-up for attacker Mateta. The announcement also features notable omissions, with Thauvin and Tolisso left out of the list. The tension around selection comes as Deschamps weighs both continuity and fresh options ahead of two upcoming fixtures.
Mateta: The Next Step toward a France Return
Deschamps spoke about Mateta’s progression, stressing that he is “getting closer to the moment when he becomes an active footballer again” and that if he wants it and it remains a clear objective in his mind, there should be no doubt about a potential national-team return. The coach emphasized that the next milestone would be wearing the Monaco jersey and stepping onto the pitch for the first time with that club color. The message was hopeful: he hopes things go well for Mateta, and a first cap would be a major milestone for him.
Selection Philosophy: Balancing Risks and Rewards
Deschamps acknowledged that selection will always have supporters and detractors. He noted that if opportunities to reduce errors arise, he will support them, as long as it doesn’t oversimplify or distort the core product—the football played at the top level. The overarching idea is to minimize injustice within the squad while ensuring performances remain true to the national team’s identity.
The Role of Mateta and the Attackers in Deschamps’ System
In describing Mateta, Deschamps labeled him as an axial striker who benefits from freedom within the system. He explained that in the center the constraints are fewer defensively, allowing him to showcase his speed, power, and confidence. With Mateta in the lineup, the captaincy and leadership within the group are highlighted, signaling a player fully invested in the squad’s mission and ready to contribute to the team’s attack. Deschamps added that while there is always room for improvement, Mateta’s profile—strong as a finisher with a good sense of timing—fits the Blues’ plans when called upon.
Injury NEWS and Emerging Contenders
The coach touched on other components of the squad. He highlighted that some players, such as those who have recently returned from injuries, are pre-selected and could be included depending on form and fitness. He also reminded that timing and minutes matter during the two-match window, emphasizing that a player’s role will be decided as events unfold on the pitch rather than in theory alone.
<h2 A Window of Opportunity: Ekitike, Thuram, and the Long View
The press conference also touched on lighting issues around a few key attackers. Hugo Ekitike was named as a first-time call-up during the September window; however, concern rose about potential absences in the near term due to a recent injury in the Champions League, threatening availability for upcoming Blues duties. “If he is there, I count on him. But minutes depend on how the two matches go,” Deschamps suggested, signaling that his inclusion could provide a boost if he can stay fit and build continuity with the group.
On Marcus Thuram, Deschamps confirmed that the Inter forward faces a left thigh issue and could miss the October duels against Azerbaijan and Iceland. The news adds another layer to the selection puzzle, as the manager weighs experience against the need to test younger talent in high-stakes fixtures.
<h2 Looking Ahead: Balancing Experience and Youth
Deschamps reaffirmed that a stable core remains essential, but the door remains open to adjustments if new factors emerge. The plan is to use the two upcoming matches to assess players’ form, minutes, and cohesion. When asked about the possibility of revisiting players like Thauvin, Deschamps pointed to a long-term view: the door isn’t completely closed, but decisions will align with what’s best for the team at the moment. The squad’s dynamic will keep evolving as injuries, club form, and player development shape the Blues’ path forward.
In sum, Mateta’s first call-up marks a visible shift in the balance of youth and experience for France, while Thauvin and Tolisso miss out this time. The coming weeks will reveal how Deschamps balances leadership, form, and depth in his pursuit of a cohesive, competitive national team.
