Zidane is betting on Dembele to be France's captain

Zidane relies on Dembele as France captain

According to Soccernews.

Background

Ousmane Dembele, who serves as vice-captain, has proven to be a valuable player for the French national team in the past. His ability to create chances and be active in the opposition penalty area will be crucial for the coming challenges in the Nations League. Zidane sees him not only as a talented player, but also as a leader who can hold the team together in difficult times.

Why this is important

Zinedine Zidane's decision to name Ousmane Dembele as captain for the Nations League game against Belgium underlines the confidence in his abilities, especially in the absence of Kylian Mbappe. Dembele has already shown that he can take responsibility in crucial moments, like in his strong performance against Turkey, where he created the most chances. His role as captain could be crucial for the French national team's success in the Nations League.

Key findings

• Zidane relies on Dembele as France captain.
• Zinedine Zidane expresses his confidence in Ousmane Dembele, who will captain France in the Nations League game against Belgium after Kylian Mbappe was ruled out due to injury.
• Zidane backs Dembele to lead France in Mbappe’s absence.

Zinedine Zidane has full confidence in Ousmane Dembele, who will captain the French national team after Kylian Mbappe was left out of the squad due to injury. Dembele already assumed responsibility during the 1-0 win over Turkey in the Nations League after Mbappe, who scored the only goal in the 54th minute, had to be withdrawn from the game due to injury. It has now been confirmed that the Real Madrid star has suffered a hyperextended left knee, although the severity of the injury is not yet known. Mbappe will leave a huge void, not only because of his leadership qualities but also because of his exceptional performances on the pitch. In his final appearance, he scored his 12th goal for France this year, equaling the record for most goals by a French player in a calendar year in the 21st century, which he himself set in 2022. In the game against Turkey, Dembele also showed a strong performance and achieved his team's highest figures in terms of chances created (four) and ball touches in the opponent's penalty area (seven). "He's already doing it. He's vice-captain; he has that role even if he's not captain," Zidane told reporters about Dembele and his role as captain. "He's a good guy, always there for others and you have to use his experience. I expect something from everyone, not just the captains. It's a group that lives well together. We've been together for a week; I see that they're happy to be together. It's the French national team; there are big games coming up. Football goes so fast. I'm 54 years old; I can't play anymore, so I tell them to enjoy the moment because it passes quickly. The French team is like that It's nice that I want them to live these moments." Zidane, who became the first coach to win his first game in charge of the French national team since Aimé Jacquet in 1994, said it was an emotional feeling leading his home country for the first time. Nevertheless, he emphasized that there is still a lot to improve. Ahead of the upcoming game at Stade Roi Baudouin on Monday, he announced that he would make several changes to his lineup to take into account the tight time frame. France are currently in second place in Group A1, level on points with Belgium after beating Italy in their opening game. Asked whether the result or the performance against Mark van Bommel's team was more important, Zidane replied: "Everything is important, but the most important thing is to get to know each other. We have had more rest and thought more about the treatment than about the training because we don't have time. The idea is to prepare for the games and after that, of course, to win the game. We are competitors and what we want is to win the game above all. We have to improve; we will improve. But the idea is to win the ball back as quickly as possible and, above all, to have the ball, to run with the ball and not without the ball."

What happens next

France will now face Belgium and Dembele will have the opportunity to show his leadership qualities. Zidane w We'll be counting on his experience and performance to fill the void left by Mbappe. The upcoming Nations League games could also have an impact on team dynamics and future squad planning, especially if Mbappe's injury is long-term.

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Kylian Mbappe?

Kylian Mbappe has been left out of the squad due to injury after suffering a left knee hyperextension.

Who confirmed Ousmane Dembele as captain?

Zinedine Zidane has confirmed Ousmane Dembele as captain of the French national team.

Why was Dembele made captain now?

Dembele was named captain because Kylian Mbappe was left out of the squad due to injury.

What role did Dembele play in the game against Turkey?

In the game against Turkey, Dembele took responsibility and put in a strong performance, achieving his team's highest figures in terms of chances created and ball touches in the opponent's penalty area.

What changes are there in the France team?

The most important change in the France team is the appointment of Ousmane Dembele as captain in the absence of Kylian Mbappe.

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