Zidane sacrifices Rabiot and Koné, the midfield of the Bleus transforms

Under the lights of the Belgian stadium, Zinedine Zidane, in his second stint on the bench of the French, completely reshuffled the midfield, taking out Adrien Rabiot and Manu Koné to make way for Lucas Da Cunha, Maghnes Akliouche and Eduardo Camavinga, while Aurélien Tchouaméni's situation was mentioned.

The match against Belgium ended with a 1‑0 win for France on Monday, as part of the Nations League. This success was credited to Zidane's decision to change the midfield. The change marked his second appearance on the bench of the French.

Lucas Da Cunha, Maghnes Akliouche and Eduardo Camavinga replaced Rabiot, Koné and Rayan Cherki. Their presence added more dynamism. The three new midfielders delivered a convincing performance.

This performance reignited the debate over the usual composition of the French midfield. Some argue that the traditional group must evolve, while others remain attached to the regulars. The success of the new trio strengthened the arguments in favor of change.

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

Riolo criticises Rabiot's style

RMC editorialist Daniel Riolo was particularly critical of certain senior players of the French team. He said that Adrien Rabiot's game did not match the style sought by Zidane. The Rossonero does not fit into a high‑pressing system.

“It’s not his game,” he asserted, adding that Rabiot would be more suited to a Deschamps‑style or an Allegri‑style, but not to football in motion, with heavy pressing and high intensity.

Zidane's exuberant celebration after Olise's late strike lifts France

Riolo also mentioned Aurélien Tchouaméni's situation, judging that his place in the national team was under threat. “Tchouaméni? It’s time to turn the page,” he concluded, emphasizing that the player could no longer be part of the competition.