Speaking ahead of France’s European Championship qualifier against the Netherlands, Didier Deschamps addressed the lack of full-backs at his disposition.
In the past months, Deschamps has often called up centre-backs that are capable of playing at full-back, rather than naturals in the position. This has notably been the case at right-back. Benjamin Pavard and Jules Koundé have often been used in this position, as has Axel Disasi. All play at centre-back at club level, and have admitted to feeling more at ease in this position. The Hernandez brothers, Théo and Lucas, often feature at left-back. The latter has experience of playing in a back-three.
Deschamps has recalled Jonathan Clauss for the upcoming international break, whilst Chelsea defender Malo Gusto has also received his first senior call-up following injuries to Koundé and Disasi. Speaking at a press conference, transcribed by Get French Football News, expressed a desire for greater choice at full-back, whilst admitting that the country could do better in producing players in this position.
“Players developped as full-backs, unfortunately, there aren’t many of them, and when I speak to Thierry Henry, it isn’t easy to find. It’s an area for improvement in [our] training,” said Deschamps.
