In the absence of Blues captain Kylian Mbappé and following the retirement of Antoine Griezmann, until now vice-captain, it is Mike Maignan who is the big favorite to inherit the armband during the team’s next two matches of France against Israel and Belgium in the League of Nations.
A list of Didier Deschamps without Kylian Mbappétoo tight physically, nor Antoine Griezmannwho retired internationally, is necessarily an event. Above all, it leaves the Blues orphaned by their captain and their vice-captain. The French team will therefore have to organize itself and “DD” must in particular decide who will wear the armband for the two upcoming Nations League matches against Israel (October 10) and Belgium (October 14).
Mike Maignan is considered for the role. From his 24 caps, he is not the most capped in the group (Dembélé, Digne, Koundé, Tchouaméni and Hernandez all have more than 30 caps). But that’s mostly down to the fact he spent three and a half years as Hugo Lloris’ backup, with limited appearances. In terms of seniority, Maignan is at the very top of the hierarchy. He has been called up consistently since 2019 when he was available. He also has natural leadership qualities which have emerged throughout his national team meetings.
Didier Deschamps could decide to appoint the AC Milan goalkeeper as vice-captain when Kylian Mbappé returns, unless the coach gives himself time to refine his thoughts. If N’Golo Kanté returns, he will also enter the discussion. The Al-Ittihad midfielder wore the armband during the last match against Belgium, on September 9 in the Nations League (2-0).
Upamecano, Dembélé, Konaté and Tchouaméni as lieutenants?
During Euro 2024, Mike Maignan established himself as one of the executives of the Blues, as much through his performances as by his importance in the locker room. At 29, he seems ready for such responsibility. But Didier Deschamps knows that he will need other executives in a group that has been significantly rejuvenated in recent months. He should also hold Dayot Upamecano accountable. The Bayern Munich defender started in the last two major competitions, at the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024. Even if he is not the most expressive, he radiates his calm and serenity in the locker room, where he is appreciated and respected by all.
Ousmane Dembélé, Ibrahima Konaté, Aurélien Tchouaméni and other voices that count in the group could also be important support for the coach. “After the 2022 World Cup, relays have obviously been taken,” Deschamps told the press. “With the absence of Kylian and Antoine from this list, that leaves room. It cannot be done by snapping your fingers. I have a much younger group, with quality but who will need to confirm and to assert oneself.
