Following his outstanding performance against Australia, Hugo Lloris is certain Adrien Rabiot will be essential to France’s World Cup defense, while Didier Deschamps expects even more from Ousmane Dembele.
Rabiot took on a central role for Les Bleus in their 4-1 victory over the Socceroos in Qatar as a result of the injuries to Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante.
Before halftime, the Juventus midfielder took control of the situation by equalizing Craig Goodwin’s earlier goal and helping set up the first of Olivier Giroud’s two goals.
Rabiot then became the first French player since Christophe Dugarry against South Africa in 1998 to both score and assist a goal in his World Cup debut.
Lloris said: “A lot has been said about the absences of Kante and Pogba, who have been vital engines for us for some years now.
“But you can forget that there are players who can step up and have the maturity and experience to take a leading role – Adrien has that.
“We know his qualities, there is an opportunity for him at this World Cup.
“The opportunity is coming at the right time and he has shown that against Australia.
“He stepped up and scored that goal and gave an assist to Olivier, it shows the impact he can have on the team.
“We know how talented he is, but he also is a very hard worker, he is very technically gifted, a very elegant player. I’m sure he’ll help us go as far as possible.”
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Although Dembele contributed to Australia’s triumph, Deschamps thinks he still has to work on his game.
The Barcelona forward started France’s opening two games at the 2018 tournament, but he only made two more substitute appearances in Russia. His superb cross set up Kylian Mbappe.
After that, he did not play in the final victory.
But Deschamps insists Dembele has not arrived in Qatar with a point to prove, saying: “I don’t think he wants to make up for it or forget it; he was in 2018 squad, and it was successful.
“Four years ago, he was going through a difficult time with major injuries. Now, he is more mature, but he is still full of youthful exuberance. He is in a club that is very demanding, and maybe he is better at that club.
“He is always capable of creating problems for the opponent as he is so quick and skilful, but he needs to rule out any wastefulness and be as effective as he possibly can.
“He was pleased to be in first XI [against Australia], and he put in a good performance.”