“What are you missing in the French team to impose yourself?
Every time, I try to do my best. I won’t be able to answer you. I’m starting to do a good job with the French team.
What does Didier Deschamps ask of you on the offensive level?
He asks me to be free, to participate “in the offensive”, as I feel, as the game (THE) request, and combine with Ousmane (Dembélé) and Kylian (Mbappe).
Do you like this new positioning on the left side?
Yes, of course, from the moment I’m on the pitch, I like it. When we are in the French team, we put ourselves at the service of the French team. Serving the group.
Olivier Giroud explained on Friday that he played a transmission role. What is your relationship to him?
I have great, great admiration for the player. When I was in Clairefontaine (at INF), I saw him score goals in L1, in European Cups. Getting to know him every day is an honor. I’m making the most of it before he leaves (laughs). I’m trying to steal all the secrets from him. He doesn’t want too much (laughs). But I have a month to do it (laughs).
You and Randal Kolo Muani have struggled to assert yourself at the forefront since the 2022 World Cup. Is this linked to the predominant place of Kylian Mbappé?
No no. It’s easier to find your place next to a player like Kylian. It does not prevent us from flourishing. It’s easier to complement a great player.
“Kante reminded us in a week why he was one of the greatest midfielders in Europe”
What is the role of N’Golo Kanté?
I have the impression that there were 3 of them! (Laughs.) We can no longer play in training. As soon as we have him on our team, we win. He reminded us in a week why he was one of the greatest midfielders in Europe.
How would you define the defensive qualities necessary for this left winger position?
I think we solve defensive problems as a team, it’s not a single player, it’s as a block. It’s desire, racing, helping the partner.
Did you feel like you were taking a risk by changing position (going from winger to number 9) two years ago?
It was a risk, yes. But I didn’t go from winger to number 6. I had certain notions of number 9 at the training center. I had a discussion with my father (Lilian Thuram), we weighed the pros and cons. If I’m here in front of you, it’s because it worked pretty well.
What is your opinion on the ratio of goals/matches played in blue (2 goals in 20 matches)?
How many did my father have? 142? And 2 goals? I have a better ratio than him anyway (laughs). In the French team, I feel more in a role to help the team. The most important thing is that the France team wins.
Kylian Mbappé’s season has been irregular. With less playing time than usual and constant questions surrounding his future. Do you think, particularly from a mental point of view, that he arrives in the best conditions?
Me, since the 2022 World Cup final, I stopped doubting Kylian. He’s the best player in the world. He will do everything to help us win the competition. »
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