Didier Deschamps named PSG starlet Warren Zaire-Emery in France's line-up against Gibraltar on Saturday, becoming France's youngest post-war player.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Zaire-Emery makes historyBecomes youngest post-war French debutant against GibraltarHas been a revelation for PSGWHAT HAPPENED?
At 17 years, eight months and 11 days the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder etches his name in French football history after being given a run against Gibraltar in Nice in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier. Deschamps revealed that he called up the midfielder with a specific plan, and has now elected to start the youngster over Aston Villa's Boubacar Kamara.
AdvertisementWHAT DESCHAMPS SAID ABOUT ZAIRE-EMERY
Speaking to reporters ahead of the game, Deschamps said: "It’s been a busy week for Warren, especially on the outside! Warren is Warren, with his tranquillity. There’s a lot of talk about him, which was already the case with his club, but it’s taking on a little more importance with the national team. He stays focused on the pitch. He’s a natural. If he doesn’t start tomorrow, he’ll definitely become an international anyway.
"When you become an international, it’s another milestone. There are prospects. The demands are higher. Warren, for example, gets a lot of media exposure. If I call him up, it’s not to make a fashion statement. When I select someone, it’s because I’m convinced they have the potential to stay with us. Sometimes it takes a bit more time.”
GettyWHAT DESCHAMPS SAID ABOUT COMPETITION FOR PLACES
France are six points clear of the Netherlands at the top of Group B and need two more from their remaining two matches to seal their place as one of the five top seeds in the group stage draw, having already qualified for the tournament. However, Deschamps believes there is no place for complacency and some of the players will have a point to prove.
"They know that. They understand the competition for places. With the time that they have on the pitch, they'll need to perform as well as possible," said the France coach. "There are always new objectives in a game, the one [today] and the one in Greece. To have answers, you can't put them on the bench."
WHAT NEXT FOR ZAIRE-EMERY?
As France pursue top-seed qualification, Zaire-Emery's performance will be closely watched against Gibraltar on Saturday. If he can prove his mettle on the international stage, will have a star in their roster for the next decade.