France manager Didier Deschamps has explained his reason for calling up Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta to his latest squad.
Foot Mercato cover comments from the France boss today after he announced his squad for the upcoming international break.
Mateta has earned his place in the squad and could be set for his first appearance for his country aged 27.
He’s played at every other level for the French national team to date, playing for the U19s, U20s, U21’s and during the Olympics under Thierry Henry. He has never made an appearance for the senior side, though.
Now he’s in the squad after a strong start to the season with four goals in ten games to date. That’s a continuation of his fine form from last season, in which he managed 17 goals in 46 games.
He’s having a late career surge under Oliver Glasner since his arrival as Crystal Palace manager. His current record under the Austrian is 34 goals in 69 games, the best of his career by some distance.
Now he’s got a shot at his first France cap and Deschamps has explained why, insisting the Crystal Palace star has been on his list for a while.
“Mateta? That’s his profile, he’s not very young, but this is the first time he’s been with us,” he said.
“He’s played with the youth teams, he has the ability to score goals, obviously that could be linked to Marcus (Thuram)’s injury…
“But he has an interesting profile, he’s been doing good things for a while, especially with the Olympic team, and he’s been on the pre-squads for a while.”
