A threatened Blue: Lucas Da Cunha's XXL performance

After the French team's display against Belgium, Aurélien Tchouameni is not the only one fearing for his place; Lucas Da Cunha's XXL performance has weakened the former Monegasque, who stayed in Madrid because of a recent adductor muscle injury.

A performance that changes the game

In a revitalised midfield, the Madrid-based Eduardo Camavinga provided the verticality and tempo that the recent gatherings of the French team had been desperately lacking. His sparkling performance came as a replacement for Adrien Rabiot, who was absent. Camavinga – who does not play for Real – thus demonstrated an ability to drive the game more quickly.

On RMC's After Foot programme, consultant Daniel Riolo did not mince his words: “Tonight, the midfield worked like I have rarely seen… precisely because Adrien Rabiot was not there.” He highlighted that the absence of the Tours player freed the ball circuits and allowed an unprecedented tempo.

The commentators' reactions

Riolo continued by criticizing Rabiot's style: “At some point, we need to open our eyes to Rabiot's Lexomil side in midfield. Camavinga played in the position that Rabiot occupies and it was twice as fast. There was more percussion and character. The midfield is the area that needs to be completely overhauled from floor to ceiling.”

Zidane bets on young midfielders, Riolo demands Rabiot's exit

He added that it was no coincidence to see so much movement: “It’s not a coincidence that we saw movement and play. I’m not sure a player like Rabiot can bring anything positive to Zidane’s system.”

Walid Acherchour expressed a more measured opinion: “I endorse the Da Cunha – Camavinga – Cherki trio. Camavinga, I liked him a lot; if it’s that Camavinga, it’s very, very good.” His comment underscores the emergence of an appealing formula for France.

For Adrien Rabiot, an undisputed starter under Didier Deschamps, the message is clear: the comfort of his place is now under threat. Da Cunha’s and Camavinga’s performance has clearly highlighted new options in midfield.