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France currently boasts one of the most talent-rich squads in football history. The Parisian suburbs, a renowned breeding ground for young players, see kids honing their skills against older opponents from an early age. This intense development environment has produced a vast pool of football talent, resulting in fierce competition for places in the national team. With the announcement of the French squad for Euro 2024, several big names have been surprisingly left out. Here are the top five notable absentees from the tournament in Germany.
1. Jean-Claire Todibo (OGC Nice)
Jean-Claire Todibo was once hailed as the next defensive stalwart for France. Despite facing challenges at Barcelona, he has found his stride at OGC Nice, emerging as one of Ligue 1’s top defenders. Nice boasts the best defensive record in the league, partly thanks to Todibo’s performances. However, the depth of talent in France’s central defense has kept him out of the Euro 2024 squad. Players like Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano, and William Saliba secured their spots, while even seasoned defender Raphael Varane missed the cut. Todibo, with only two caps to his name, remains on the fringes of the national setup.
Todibo's exclusion is a testament to the incredible depth in France's defensive ranks. His ability to read the game and his physical presence make him a standout performer in Ligue 1. Yet, the competition from younger and more established players in similar positions has made it difficult for him to secure a spot in the national team. As he continues to develop and gain experience, Todibo will undoubtedly remain a strong candidate for future national team selections.
2. Matteo Guendouzi (Lazio)
Matteo Guendouzi’s early career trajectory suggested he would be a mainstay in France’s midfield. Currently on loan at Lazio from Marseille, the 25-year-old had a strong season, featuring over 40 times and impressing at the heart of Lazio’s midfield. However, the competition for midfield spots in the French squad is fierce. With players like Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Seko Fofana, and Adrien Rabiot forming the core and the return of N’Golo Kanté, Guendouzi was left out. Didier Deschamps opted for younger talent, such as Warren Zaire-Emery, over the more experienced Guendouzi.
Guendouzi's tenacity and work rate have been key assets for his club. His ability to break up play and drive the team forward from midfield has made him a vital player for Lazio. However, the emergence of younger talents and the return of experienced veterans have pushed him down the pecking order. Guendouzi’s exclusion highlights the depth and quality of options available to Deschamps in midfield.
3. Moussa Diaby (Aston Villa)
Moussa Diaby had an excellent season at Aston Villa, playing a key role in their qualification for the Champions League. He scored ten goals and provided nine assists, forming a potent partnership with Leon Bailey. Despite his contributions, Diaby was not selected for the Euro 2024 squad. Deschamps favored a lineup of wingers, including Ousmane Dembélé, Kingsley Coman, Antoine Griezmann, and Kylian Mbappé. Including Bradley Barcola over Diaby raised some eyebrows, but Deschamps chose to include an extra striker, leaving no room for Diaby in the squad.
Diaby's pace and creativity on the wing have made him a standout performer in the Premier League. His ability to take on defenders and create scoring opportunities for his teammates has been crucial for Aston Villa. Despite his impressive performances, the depth of attacking talent in the French squad has made it difficult for Diaby to secure a place. His exclusion underscores even top-performing players' challenges in breaking into the national team.
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4. Michael Olise (Crystal Palace)
One of the most shocking omissions was Michael Olise. The Crystal Palace winger had a standout season, showcasing his pace, skill, and productivity under Oliver Glasner’s management. However, his exclusion might be explained by the recent nature of his impressive form and the tactical setup of the national team. Olise has thrived as a right-sided number 10 at Palace, a role not typically employed by the French national team. Antoine Griezmann has solidified his place in the attacking midfield position, leaving no room for Olise in Deschamps’ plans.
Olise's ability to unlock defenses with his dribbling and vision has made him a key player for Crystal Palace. Despite his form, his exclusion from the national team reflects Deschamps's tactical preferences and the squad's established roles. As he develops and gains consistency, Olise will likely be a strong contender for future national team selections.
5. Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea)
Christopher Nkunku’s exclusion from the Euro 2024 squad was another major surprise. His move to Chelsea has been plagued by injuries, limiting him to just two starts and three goals for the club. While a fully fit Nkunku would likely have been a guaranteed selection, his long-term absence and limited game time influenced Deschamps’ decision. Concerns about Nkunku’s match fitness and potential for recurring injuries meant he was not included in the squad despite his undeniable talent and recent return to action.
Nkunku's versatility and goal-scoring ability have made him a valuable asset for club and country. His exclusion from the squad reflects the difficult decisions Deschamps faced in balancing talent, form, and fitness. As Nkunku regains his fitness and form, he will undoubtedly be a key player for France in future competitions.
France’s immense talent pool means that even highly skilled players can be left out of major tournaments. The omissions of Jean-Claire Todibo, Matteo Guendouzi, Moussa Diaby, Michael Olise, and Christopher Nkunku from the Euro 2024 squad highlight the incredible depth and competition within the French national team. As Les Bleus prepares for the tournament in Germany, these players will be watching from the sidelines, hoping for another opportunity to represent their country on the international stage. The depth of talent in French football ensures that the national team will continue to be a formidable force, both now and in the future.
