Nasri alerts Zidane: France lacks a playing identity

The first spell of Zinedine Zidane in charge of the French national team ended with a tight 1-0 win over Turkey on Friday in the Nations League. However, the result did not fully convince Samir Nasri, former French attacking midfielder.

Criticism of the game's construction

Nasri highlighted the difficulties the Blues faced in using the ball, arguing that the problem goes beyond the simple content offered in this match. According to the Canal+ analyst, the double world champions still lack a real thread guiding their style of play.

He added that the midfield lacks the necessary profiles to regularly supply the attackers and allow the Blues to impose their tempo. “France has no playing identity,” Zidane said, before Nasri clarified that the current midfielders cannot provide for the forwards.

Observations on talent and control

Nasri nevertheless acknowledges the enormous talent of the current generation, but describes them as “offensive talents capable of shining on chances.” He believes that the lack of midfielders able to support these players prevents mastery of the game.

He recalled a five‑minute spell of ball possession where the French seemed to find breathing room, but the match was never truly controlled. “We never got a grip on the game and decided its outcome,” he added.

Regarding the Marseille coach, Nasri prefers to wait before drawing definitive conclusions. “For Zidane, I’ll wait a little because that’s what I hope to see. But when I look at the players he has at his disposal, it will be difficult in midfield,” Nasri confided.