Five French players who deserve a first call-up to the national team ⚡️ | OneFootball

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On Wednesday, Didier Deschamps will unveil his list of players retained for the semi-final and potential final of the Nations League.

For the occasion, OneFootball offers you a list of five players who deserve to make their debut with the Blues after a great 2024-2025 season.

Rayan Cherki (OL)

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Crowned the best passer in Ligue 1, Rayan Cherki has definitely proven this season that he is a player of a different caliber. He also delivered great performances on the European stage, notably with a superb double confrontation against Manchester United.

With a French team lacking creative profiles, the Lyonnais prodigy would be welcome.

Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)

📸 BEN STANSALL - AFP or licensors

After remarkable performances at the Olympics last summer, Jean-Philippe Mateta continued to shine in the Premier League throughout the season with 14 goals and two decisive passes.

Didier Deschamps lacks a true number nine to compete with Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani. The Eagles' striker deserves his chance with the Blues.

Unbeatable on the 2024-2025 L1 season? Prove it with our quiz!

Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco)

📸 VALERY HACHE - AFP or licensors

Author of a very successful season on the Rock with seven goals and 12 decisive passes, the playmaker is one of the main contenders for a place in Didier Deschamps' list.

The Monegasque gem notably shone thanks to his enormous volume during the double confrontation against Benfica in the Champions League. Enough to convince the Blues' selector?

Bafodé Diakité (LOSC)

📸 DENIS CHARLET

He is one of the French defenders who doesn't seem like much, but quietly, Bafodé Diakité is checking many boxes to claim a place in the Blues.

Having passed through almost all the youth categories of the French team, being an undisputed starter in L1, and now being accustomed to European competitions, on paper, the 24-year-old defender doesn't seem far from earning his first selection.

With the probable absence of Dayot Upamecano, could Didier Deschamps be tempted?

Hugo Ekitike (Frankfurt)

📸 Christof Koepsel - 2025 Getty Images

Just a few months ago, you had to be a fortune teller to think that Hugo Ekitike would bounce back to such a level. Simply put, with his 22 goals in all competitions this season, he is only surpassed by Kylian Mbappé (40) and Ousmane Dembélé (33) among French strikers.

His atypical profile could bring variety to Didier Deschamps' attack.

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