Zidane picks Diouf on the left: surprise for France in Nations League

Thursday 24 September 2026, France faces Turkey in the football Nations League. Zinedine Zidane has announced a surprise move: Inter's Andy Diouf starts as left‑back, a decision described as “bold” by the newspaper L’Équipe. The coach explained the choice during the pre‑match press conference.

Zidane's tactical choice

Zidane outlined the new defensive setup, inserting Diouf on the left to give the team more balance. L’Équipe called the decision bold, highlighting Kylian Mbappé's return to the left flank. Moreover, Rayan Cherki was deployed as a mezzala to enrich the midfield.

Andy Diouf, a former Lens player, was regularly used by Cristian Chivu as a right‑back. Now he must adapt to the left‑back role, a position he has rarely occupied in his career as a midfielder. The Inter player will have to demonstrate his versatility in the clash against Turkey.

Zidane makes debut against Turkey in Nations League appearance

Zidane said: “If I put Warren Zaïre‑Emery in midfield it is because I want to see him there, just like Andy Diouf who plays in a different position at Inter but whom I want to see as left‑back.” The remark was made during the pre‑match press conference.

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Zidane’s choice shows a willingness to experiment with new defensive schemes, giving France greater tactical flexibility. If the decision proves effective, it could influence the national team’s future line‑ups.