France's Probable Lineup for Zidane's Debut in Turkey
The starting eleven for Friday's Nations League match in Kocaeli, Turkey (8:45 PM) will mark the beginning of Zinédine Zidane's era as the French national team coach. The former Real Madrid manager has already made some key decisions regarding the lineup.
Although Zidane did not conduct a full tactical setup during the pre-match training, focusing instead on game-play, some indications emerged about the expected starting team. Rayan Cherki is likely to start but in a deeper midfield role compared to his club position. He is expected to play as a box-to-box midfielder alongside Manu Koné as the defensive anchor and Adrien Rabiot on the left.
Jacquet in Line?
The attacking setup will see Kylian Mbappé confirmed on the left wing, with Ousmane Dembélé leading the line. Defensively, uncertainties remain. Jules Koundé is expected to keep his right-back spot. The central defensive partnership alongside Dayot Upamecano is not yet finalized, though the debut of Jérémy Jacquet is possible, given his strong performances in training and his current form with Liverpool.
For the left-back position, Adrien Truffert (one cap) and newcomer Andy Diouf are competing. Truffert may have a slight edge due to his more defensive profile, which could be better suited on the flank behind an attacking player like Mbappé. However, this decision is not set in stone.
France's probable lineup against Turkey:
Maignan – Koundé, Jacquet or Lacroix, Upamecano, Truffert or Diouf - Cherki, Manu Koné, Rabiot - Olise, Dembélé, Mbappé
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