‘Massive talent’ five years younger than Lee Kang-in earns first France cap

Warren Zaire Emery (17-Paris Saint-Germain), described as an ‘all-time great’, has earned his first call-up to the French national team after a string of dazzling performances this season as he made the leap into the first team. He has been called up by head coach Didier Deschamps (55-France) for two November A matches against Gibraltar and Greece.

The French Football Federation (FFF) announced the 23-man squad for the two November A matches on its official website on Tuesday. Antoine Griezmann (32-Atletico Madrid), Olivier Giroud (37-AC Milan), Adrien Rabiot (28-Juventus), Kylian Mbappe (24-Paris Saint-Germain) and other mainstays have been called up, with Emery making his first appearance.

Emery has been on the so-called “elite path” since childhood, as he was recognized as an exceptional talent and progressed through the age-group national teams. Until recently, he was the captain of France’s U-21 soccer team. Deschamps’ call came after the midfielder’s recent breakout season at Paris Saint-Germain, where he became one of the leading midfielders in the French Ligue 1.

In fact, Emery gradually increased his playing time in the second half of last season, and this season he’s made the leap to ‘first-team’ status under new coach Luis Enrique (53-FR) and has been a revelation. He has two goals and five assists in 14 games (13 starts) across all competitions. 무지개토토 도메인

Emery’s unfazed play, especially for a player in his late teens, and his seasoned approach have earned him rave reviews every game. Primarily an attacking link in the middle of the park, he is able to break away from pressure in any situation and pass to his teammates to create crucial chances and, in some cases, finish them himself.

The French national team will play two back-to-back A matches in November to begin their UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying campaign. They will face the Gibraltar National Team on November 19, followed by the Greece National Team on November 22. The team is already top of Group B (6 wins and 18 points) and is expected to qualify for the knockout stages, so Emery will be given a chance to play.