2 of Barcelona’s 3 Frenchmen are going to the World Cup
In recent years, Barcelona have recognised France as an important source of youth talent, signing young players of French nationality. In the last two seasons, the club has signed Lucas Digne, Samuel Umtiti and Ousmane Dembélé for a combined fee of €156.5 million.
Didier Deschamps has decided to leave Lucas Digne out of the France squad, which is slightly harsh on the 24-year old left-back. The 49-year old coach decided to include Benjamin Mendy, who has only made 8 appearances for Manchester City this season.
Digne, on the other hand, has made 17 appearances for Barcelona this season, deputising ably for first-choice Jordi Alba. He has shown good passing skills, a strong aerial presence but his attacking intent has been absent.
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But regardless, he should have been included in the France squad. As for the other two, Samuel Umtiti selects himself after a wonderful season under Ernesto Valverde, while Ousmane Dembélé’s purple patch late on in the season allows him to edge out Kingsley Coman and Anthony Martial.
Samuel Umtiti has made 38 appearances in all competitions this season, with a passing accuracy of 91%. For a centre-back, he has shown brilliant dribbling skills, and is expected to be paired with Real Madrid counterpart Raphaël Varane in central defence.
But Ousmane Dembélé is not expected to make the first-team. Florian Thauvin has been a revelation at Marseille this season, scoring 25 goals and providing 13 assists in 50 appearances in all competitions, and he will be occupying the first-team spot.
But Dembélé can have an impact off the bench, like he has had at Barça. His pace dazzles fatigued opposition defenders, and his good crossing ability will suit the playing styles of players like Olivier Giroud.
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But nonetheless, it seems like Lucas Digne will have to wait till the Euro 2020 to represent his nation in an international tournament.