PSG, the Key Player in France's EURO 2024 Squad
PSG stands out as the major player in Didier Deschamps' France squad for the Euro Cup, with the central midfielder N'Golo Kanté, aged 33 and playing for Saudi club Al-Ittihad, being the main surprise.
The veteran player, a cornerstone of France's victory in the World Cup, missed out on the Qatar edition due to injury and hadn't been called up to the national team since June 2022 after moving to the Saudi league.
Kanté, who has already played 53 games for the national team, is always seen by Deschamps as a crucial element for his defensive solidity in midfield.
"In Saudi Arabia, he has regained his physical abilities, and given his experience, I am convinced he will contribute a lot to the team," said the coach about Kanté.
Among the called-up players are French players from Real Madrid like Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurélien Tchouameni. Despite their physical issues, the coach expects them to be ready for France's debut against Austria on June 17.
"If they're on the list, it's because I believe they'll be available," affirmed Deschamps, mentioning that the coming weeks will be decisive for the Madrid player, whom his club hasn't ruled out for the Champions League final.
Apart from these players, who will join the squad later due to their Champions League final on June 1, two other La Liga players are included: Barcelona's defender Jules Koundé and Atlético Madrid's forward Antoine Griezmann.
Another surprise in the squad is the first call-up for PSG striker Bradley Barcola, the most represented team in the attack alongside Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembelé, and Randal Kolo Mouani. In midfield, Warren Zaïre-Emery also makes the cut.
Deschamps highlighted the youthfulness of his team, stating that they "have great potential" and expressed his hope to enhance it with the experience of players like Kanté.
Deschamps' Squad:
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (Milan/ITA), Brice Samba (Lens/FRA), Alphonse Areola (West Ham/ENG)
Defenders: Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool/ENG), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich/GER), Theo Hernandez (Milan/ITA), Benjamin Pavard (Inter Milan/ITA), Jules Koundé (Barcelona/ESP), Jonathan Clauss (Marseille/FRA), Ferdinand Mendy (Real Madrid/ESP), William Saliba (Arsenal/ENG).
Midfielders: Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid/ESP), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus Turin/ITA), Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid/ESP), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco/FRA), Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris SG/FRA), N'Golo Kanté (Al Ittihad/KSA), Aurélien Tchouameni (Real Madrid/ESP)
Forwards: Kylian Mbappé (Paris SG/FRA), Ousmane Dembelé (Paris SG/FRA), Randal Kolo-Mouani (Paris SG/FRA), Olivier Giroud (Milan/ITA), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan/ITA), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich/GER), Bradley Barcola (Paris SG/FRA).