Zidane bets on five novices, but Estéban Lepaul still raises doubt

Zinédine Zidane bet on youth for his first gathering, calling up five newcomers and then Leny Yoro after Ibrahima Konaté's withdrawal. All received playing time and most made a good impression, but Rennes' centre‑forward Estéban Lepaul remains unremarkable after four matches.

The newcomers who impressed Zidane

Zidane called up five new players, supplemented by Leny Yoro when Ibrahima Konaté had to withdraw. Each recruit received a minimum of minutes, and the majority left a favorable impression on observers.

Lucas Da Cunha immediately took charge of building the play, alternating short passes and switches. His shot rattled the post, close to a goal that could have crowned his debut.

Jérémy Jacquet displayed calm and authority, earning a rating of eight in Brussels. Andy Diouf, quieter, showed his versatility by fulfilling several tasks, while Guillaume Restes had a serious first experience between the posts.

Leny Yoro delivered a solid performance against the Belgians, which Zidane described as “formidable”. This assessment underlines the manager's confidence in the young defender.

Estéban Lepaul, the only shadow

Estéban Lepaul, Rennes' centre‑forward, has accumulated three call‑ups with the France team without a decisive action. He played three matches, including two starts against Belgium, and created several clear chances, notably in Brussels where Désiré Doué found him in a favorable position.

At the Stade de France, a header, a pivot shot and a rebound brought him close to his first goal, but his tally remains at zero goals and zero assists. In Brussels, L’Équipe's journalists rated him the only French player below average.

His call‑up at 26, after an excellent start to the season with Rennes, was one of the surprises of Zidane's first squad. Rennes coach Franck Haise praised his hold‑up work and the spaces he created, and Zidane gave him two starts to assess his number 9 profile.

Thus, Zidane's first gathering leaves an overall positive impression, except for Estéban Lepaul who continues to raise doubts.