Lucas Da Cunha returned to Como with the captain’s armband on Sunday, days after a France debut that left Cesc Fabregas moved by the midfielder’s long route to the international stage.
The former Ligue 1 player started in Como’s 0-0 draw against Roma, operating in the two-man midfield of Fabregas’ 4-2-3-1 system. His club coach said the sight of Da Cunha in France colours during the latest international window was a significant moment.
“I did not cry, but it was emotional to see him there,” Fabregas said. “I know his journey very well: the person he is, how hard he has fought, how much he has developed and worked to reach a moment he truly deserves.”
A different job for France
Da Cunha was named in the starting line-up for France’s 1-0 win over Belgium and the 1-1 draw with Italy. While he has been used in a more varied role at Como, Fabregas felt that the national team placed him closer to the base of midfield.
“For France, he played more as a holding midfielder, in his natural area,” Fabregas explained. “His task with us is different.”
Da Cunha had said that Zinédine Zidane encouraged him to play with the same freedom and personality he shows for Como. Fabregas interpreted that message less as a demand to reproduce a particular tactical shape and more as an instruction to make himself available on the ball.
“I do not believe Zidane meant that he had to play within an exact structure,” the Como coach said. “It was more about showing himself, keeping possession, controlling it, moving the team and making it play.”
Fabregas sees a useful France option
Fabregas believes Da Cunha gives France an alternative profile in a squad already rich in athleticism and physical power. He praised the decision to make the midfielder a focal point during the two matches.
“France had been missing that,” he said. “Lucas brings them different qualities. Making the team work around him was a very interesting decision from Zidane, and I think he got it right.”
