Didier Deschamps wants striker to continue leading the line through the middle for Les Blues
Kylian Mbappe is most effective for France when playing in a central role, head coach Didier Deschamps has said.
For years the forward has been the key player in France’s attacking ideas and has largely played through the middle for the team, even though he is versatile and can also be highly effective on the left.
In that position as a striker he has embarked on a journey up France’s all-time scoring charts. The 26-year-old recently moved past Thierry Henry to become second-highest scorer for Les Bleus, with 52 goals in 87 appearances, leaving only Olivier Giroud ahead of him.
“He’s a central striker,” said Deschamps. “The range of abilities depends on the system. With us, he has freedom, like most strikers. In the centre there are fewer constraints, especially defensively.
“He has legs of fire. He’s confident. And his head is also fine. He exudes a lot of power and speed, and that’s where he makes the biggest difference.”
Beyond his goals, Deschamps also hailed Mbappe’s influence as France’s captain.
The head coach said: “He’s totally committed to us. He fully assumes his role as captain and his responsibility towards the group. We can always do better. He’s a central striker who likes to have freedom and participate in the game.”
