Zinédine Zidane has made a surprise call-up by selecting Saël Kumbedi, a 21-year-old defender playing in Germany's second division, for the France squad this Monday. The manager, facing defensive absences, has selected a player from Wolfsburg, a Bundesliga 2 club, for the first time in nearly two decades.

Kumbedi, an Olympique Lyonnais academy product and Under-17 European champion in 2022, was initially set to join the Under-21s. He received the call informing him of his promotion while preparing with that youth team. "It warms the heart," reacted the young full-back, saying he was "super happy" and ready to show his qualities without extra pressure.

Zidane's philosophy

This decision illustrates the new manager's desire to cast a wide scouting net. Zidane explained his extensive recruitment method. "I can even watch a second-division match, and in fact, that's what I do from time to time," he stated. His goal is to create "the most possible bridges" between the youth teams and the senior side, and to keep the door open for everyone, not only established players.

The defensive context for Les Bleus accelerated this call-up. Jules Koundé and Pierre Kalulu were ruled out for this Nations League gathering, creating a specific need at the right-back position. Zidane also mentioned wanting more offensive profiles for that role. For this double-header, Malo Gusto was seen as a temporary solution.

Context and outlook

The France team approaches this match in Italy on Thursday on a three-game unbeaten run. The latest result, a 4-1 win over Belgium on October 5th, was followed by a 1-1 draw against these same Italians on October 2nd. Kylian Mbappé remains the top scorer this season with ten goals. The next challenge is a trip to Milan this Thursday, November 12th, a quick rematch of the early October draw.

For Kumbedi, this first day with the senior team included climbing the steps at Clairefontaine and training alongside Dayot Upamecano. Zidane, who met with Under-21 coach Gérald Baticle and Under-20 coach Bernard Diomède, also wants to closely monitor Warren Zaïre-Emery in midfield, a player who sometimes features out wide for PSG. The selection of the young defender, who has provided one assist in seven appearances this season, sends a positive signal to players outside Europe's top leagues. The last player called up to the France squad while playing in the German second division was David Trezeguet in 1998.

Background and full detail: RMC Sport Football