Four matches into Zinédine Zidane’s France reign, the picture is already changing under the floodlights. Michael Olise has seized the spotlight, new options have emerged across the pitch, and several established names are now facing a sharper fight for their places.
Key takeaways
- Michael Olise produced four goals and two assists across Zidane’s opening four France matches.
- France beat Belgium 4-1 at the Stade de France, with Olise and Rayan Cherki both scoring.
- Liverpool defender Jérémy Jacquet has made a strong early case for a regular role in central defence.
- Ousmane Dembélé finished the camp without a goal or an assist despite being used at centre-forward.
- Pierre Kalulu’s performances have increased the pressure on Jules Koundé at right-back.
- Aurélien Tchouaméni’s injury absence has allowed other defensive midfielders to push forward.
Olise leads the new order
Olise has been the outstanding figure of the first four games. The Bayern Munich attacker combined four goals with two assists and delivered a particularly explosive 30-minute spell during the 4-1 win over Belgium at the Stade de France.
His influence has grown rapidly. Olise is now viewed as one of France’s decisive attacking figures, capable of breaking open games and carrying major public appeal. In that regard, only Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé are considered to operate on a comparable level within the squad.
Cherki has also given Zidane a significant tactical answer. The Manchester City player was deployed as a number eight rather than in a more advanced creative role, and the experiment has brought convincing results. He scored against Belgium and showed an unfamiliar side to his game: working without the ball, recovering possession and operating more regularly in central areas.
Lucas Da Cunha also made a positive impression during his first senior gathering. Used as the holding midfielder Zidane expects him to become, he offered another option at the base of midfield. Mike Maignan, meanwhile, did not feature against Belgium but had done his job effectively in the previous three fixtures, leaving the camp with his standing strengthened.
Selection battles intensify
At the back, Jacquet has caught the eye in his first France appearances. The Liverpool defender has shown pace, authority in duels and the ability to bring the ball out from defence — qualities that fit Zidane’s demands. A central partnership between Dayot Upamecano and Jacquet already looks a robust possibility.
William Saliba is expected to return to the France set-up around March, which will add another high-level contender to the competition. Zidane will have to decide how to balance that depth, but Jacquet’s early displays have ensured he will not be ignored.
Dembélé’s camp was far less productive. The Ballon d’Or winner played as a number nine in the opening three matches but registered neither a goal nor an assist. Zidane has valued his pressing, his involvement in build-up play and his ability to link attacks while carrying the ball, yet more is expected from the Paris Saint-Germain forward in a side where he is one of the headline players.
Koundé remains France’s vice-captain, but his hold on the right-back role is no longer entirely secure. He performed well against Belgium, though Kalulu has impressed both as a substitute and when handed a starting place. The question is now whether the challenger can move ahead over the medium or longer term. Koundé will need to raise his level with Barcelona to protect his place.
Tchouaméni may also have lost ground without playing. The Real Madrid midfielder was unavailable at the start of the camp because of injury and returned too late to be considered for Zidane’s squad. In his absence, Da Cunha, Eduardo Camavinga and Manu Koné all pushed their claims as number six options.
Those midfield candidates have offered possession, forward movement and the ability to project play — attributes Zidane wants from the position. Tchouaméni’s possible return in November will therefore carry real importance: he must not only regain fitness, but also prove he still deserves to start in a midfield that has suddenly become crowded.
