Doué's play makes the Blues dream like Michael Jordan
Starting from the outset in a heavily reshuffled France side, Désiré Doué lit up the match pitting the Blues against Belgium on Monday evening in the Nations League. In the absence of the usual senior figures in the attacking department, the young Parisian took the reins of the tricolour's game with flair, delivering a performance that left an impression.
A dazzling performance by Doué
The winger was solid, incisive and constantly dangerous, multiplying bursts of pace and classy moves. His presence gave the Belgian back line a real nightmare, which struggled to contain his movements. Every action highlighted his technical impact and major tactical influence.
Within a rejuvenated lineup, Doué compensated for the lack of usual attacking figures by creating space and forcing the opposition defence to fall back. His work rate was decisive, even though the final touch barely missed the crossbar or the frame.
France dominate Belgium thanks to Da Cunha, Lacroix and Doué
Jobard compares to Michael Jordan
Stéphane Jobard, former assistant to Rudi Garcia on the bench of the Red Devils until the end of the 2026 World Cup, said in the pages of Le Parisien that he was “under the spell of the young French international”. He stated: “He delivered an XXL performance, top‑class, with an execution speed in the small area that is incredible.”
Jobard even dared a prestigious comparison: “Every time I see him play, I feel like I’m watching Michael Jordan. I am waiting for a magic trick every time he touches the ball, I was blown away by his performance.” He added that, despite occasionally disappointing finishing, Doué was the catalyst that made the entire Belgian defence retreat.
Olise propels the Blues to victory over Belgium
The coach also praised the cohesion displayed by Zinedine Zidane’s men, despite the many changes made at kickoff. This ability to master the situation with such a rejuvenated lineup testifies to the richness of the French talent pool, symbolised now more than ever by Doué’s brilliant emergence at the highest international level.