Didier Deschamps admitted that Karim Benzema with an early goal playing against Sevilla showed his effectiveness, but, the Les Blues chief avoided putting light on the reasons why he was not named in the squad to face Oranje.
Benzema’s name has been there in a criminal case of late and he is even under investigation at this moment. So it’s maybe that which is behind the overlooking of the 28-year old.
At least, Deschamps’ roundabout explanation of his exclusion only hints in that direction.
When the boss was asked why the big striker was missing, he said, “I saw Karim score the other day. It was that strike which set Madrid on a roll really.”
“To play like that right away after injury, it was really nice. He has always shown his utility at Madrid.”
“But, I think you should be asking questions about the players whom I have selected because that’s what I would like to answer right now, nothing else.”
Deschamps might not be in a mood to speak too much of the seasoned campaigner Benzema, but, he happily described his excitement about the young man from Leicester City whom he has given a break and that is N’Golo Kante.
Kante is not as highly statured as an ideal midfielder should be. His height is only about 5 and half feet, but, he is so quick on the pitch and has got the skills to get the ball from difficult positions. He has had a great influence on Leicester City in English top division and it’s that which has brought him on the radar of the national team coach.
In the words of Deschamps, “Kante is the modern day playmaker, not the biggest physically, but, skilful. Hopefully, he settles in well here.”