New Delhi: Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni has been appointed captain of the French national team for their upcoming UEFA Nations League clash against Israel tomorrow as confirmed by the French Football Federation (FFF) on Wednesday. The 24-year-old star will step into the leadership role with France missing their forward Kylian Mbappe, who is nursing a minor thigh injury in Madrid.
Tchouaméni has earned 36 caps since his debut in September 2021 and was chosen ahead of other contenders including Jules Kounde and Mike Maignan. His influence and experience on the pitch have made him a key asset for Didier Deschamps’ squad.
🚨 OFFICIAL: Aurelien Tchouaméni will Captain France tomorrow.
Congratulations, Young King 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/iLJVHkhSBP
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) October 9, 2024
Mbappe’s absence sparks criticism
The usual captain, Kylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid as a free agent this summer from PSG. While he is reportedly fit, the 25-year-old forward decision to skip Israel and Belgium matches have stirred controversy in France. Critics have been questioning his commitment to the national team, especially after being fully available for Real Madrid.
France is also without the services of their vice-captain, Antoine Griezmann, who made a surprising declaration to retire from international football last month. Together, Mbappe and Griezmann were instrumental in securing France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, and their absence will surely be felt on the pitch.
A Golden Opportunity
Tchouaméni took charge as a captain at a crucial stage with current group standings seeing Italy sitting at the top with three points while both France and Belgium are trailing closely. France will be facing a tough challenge tomorrow followed by an away game against Belgium on Monday.
The Los Blancos midfielder’s calm demeanor and tactical intelligence in leading the game have already earned him praise at both the club and international levels. Manager Deschamps is confident that his squad will rise to the challenge under Tchouaméni’s leadership.
With all eyes on him, Tchouaméni will aim to prove the trust his manager has shown in him and help his side reclaim their spot at the top of the group.
Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni will lead the French national team as captain in their UEFA Nations League clash against Israel tomorrow. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
