Beaten finalists from Qatar 2022 get this year’s campaign up and running against Senegal
Warren Zaire-Emery and Manu Kone likely to have to settle for place on bench
Pair relishing World Cup opportunity and ready to contribute whenever called upon
Judging by the noises coming out of the camp, not to mention the line-ups in France’s recent friendlies, Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot appear dead certs to dovetail in defensive midfield from the outset of Les Bleus’ curtain-raiser on Tuesday.
Should this turn out to be the case, and Manu Kone, two other compelling contenders for a spot in the middle of the park, will get their first taste of the global showpiece from the bench.
“If the coach calls on me, I’ll be there to help the team and give my all to perform to the best of my ability,” said Zaire-Emery, hinting that he is not expecting to start at the
“You never know when you might get the nod, so I always tell myself that I’ve got to be ready to do my bit, whether that’s for 90, 120 or ten minutes, because I’m bound to be needed at some point,” Kone added, in the same vein.
One of the reasons why the 2022 runners-up are heavily fancied to reclaim the crown this time round is the fact that, beyond a star-studded first string, boast a bamboozling bounty of riches running right through their squad, with the abundance of options in the engine room a prime example.
This strength in depth in every department could prove absolutely pivotal if Didier Deschamps’ side are to go all the way since. As Roma mainstay Kone pointed out, events like the FIFA World Cup™ are a marathon, not a sprint, and very much require a squad effort.
“We need to stay mentally and physically locked in because we know that, with any luck, we’re here for the long haul,” explained the 25-year-old.
You could be forgiven for believing that Zaire-Emery is also in his mid-20s given the maturity that he displays on the pitch and how he has taken every challenge in his stride en route to establishing himself as a burgeoning leader for back-to-back European champions Paris Saint-Germain.
However, despite these credentials, the dynamo only turned 20 back in March, making him the freshest face in Deschamps’ squad – a fact of which he is well aware.
“It’s true that I’m the youngest member of the squad, but I was part of the set-up for the last EURO,” recalled the starlet from the Paris suburbs, looking back on some “fantastic times” at the tournament in Germany two years ago.
The implication was clear: even though he did not see any action at that competition, the exposure to the demands of major tournaments will suit him perfectly going forward.
“It’s quite simply a pleasure to be here. I want to make the most of every moment and keep getting experience under my belt,” he said.
Indeed, while unsure if and when they will be involved, the pair are positively savouring their maiden adventure at FIFA’s flagship men’s competition. “I think the World Cup is what every player dreams about. The chance to feature for France at the biggest competition out there is an absolute thrill,” Zaire-Emery added.
Kone recalled memories of watching Les Bleus 12 years ago, saying: “I remember being inspired by Paul Pogba’s performances at the 2014 World Cup, back when he was still at Juventus. It fills me with pride to think that I can now follow in his footsteps and spur on budding players.”
Eight years ago, the Toulouse academy product was among the crowds that took to the Champs-Elysees to celebrate France’sn the trophy decider in Russia.
Last time out, meanwhile, the then-Borussia Monchengladbach man was left with a heavy heart back in Germany when Kylian Mbappe and Co slipped to an to Argentina on penalties in the final in Qatar, following a dramatic 3-3 draw after extra time.
It is a different story on this occasion, with Kone no longer watching from afar but part of the fray and, like Zaire-Emery and every other member of Deschamps’ stacked squad, hoping to play a part – whatever form it may take – in helping Les Bleus back to the final, this time in New York New Jersey on 19 July.
Sources: FIFA Official
