The 17th edition of UEFA’s European Championships gets underway this month in Germany and Les Blues, currently the best national team in Europe are rightly considered as one of the tournament’s favourites.
With the competition set to kick off on June 14, Soccernet.football takes a look at seven players who could have significant impact on Didier Deschamps’ side during the tournament.
7. William Saliba
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The 23-year-old formed one half of the best defensive pairing in the Premier League this past season, contributing significantly as Arsenal conceded the least number of goals (29) as well as kept the most number of clean sheets (18).
Saliba could play a key role in France’s defensive solidity during the tournament if paired with the right partner. Deschamps will certainly be hoping the defender can replicate his club form for the national team.
6. Youssouf Fofana
Fofana was one of the standout players for Ligue 1 runners-up AS Monaco this past season, racking up 32 appearances and contributing in attack with four goals and four assists.
The versatile 25-year-old may have been called as a back-up for more established names like Adrian Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni and N’golo Kante but he could certainly become a key player for Les Blues if given the opportunity.
5. Warren Zaire-Emery
The 18-year-old is the youngest player ever to be called up for a major international tournament by France and the prodigiously talented PSG youngster will be one to watch when the Euros finally kicks off.
Zaire-Emery impressed massively at club level this past season, showing a huge level of maturity in his decision making on the ball for a player of his age which is why his addition to the national team is no surprise.
4. Olivier Giroud
The 38-year-old center forward was the danger man for AC Milan in the Serie A this past season, firing the Rossoneri to a second place finish with 14 goals and 8 assists across 34 appearances.
Giroud’s experience will surely come in handy for Les Blues during the tournament especially when they are in need of a focal point in attack. Just as he was during their 2018 World Cup triumph, Giroud will be vital for Deschamps’ side.
3. Marcus Thuram
One of the standout performers for Serie A champions Inter Milan, Thuram enjoyed a fantastic debut season with the Nerazzurri, contributing 20 goal involvements across 33 appearances.
The 26-year-old forward will be heading into the tournament with a lot of confidence and he certainly is capable of leading Les Blues’ attack if given the opportunity by his manager.
2. Antoine Griezmann
Griezmann is always a joy to watch in the Les Blues setup, especially when he is deployed just behind the striker and given the liberty to roam. The Atletico Madrid man just comes to life anytime he pulls on the national team jersey.
The 33-year-old has established himself as a very important part of Deschamps’ setup and will surely play a significant role as France look to maintain their reputation as the best European national team.
1. Kylian Mbappe
Real Madrid’s latest signing is arguably the best player in the world at the moment and will undoubtedly be one of the best players for the French national team at the upcoming tournament.
Mbappe is coming off the back of another impressive season with PSG where he recorded a staggering 34 goal contributions across 29 Ligue 1 matches.
The 25-year-old will be looking to replicate this scintillating form for France when the tournament kicks off and as he has proven in the past, he is very capable.
