World Cup 2022: Youssouf Fofana, the driving midfielder who can give France some air (preview)

A discreet but precious element of the France team, Youssouf Fofana should start the World Cup-2022 as a starter against Australia on Tuesday. In recent months, he has established himself as a key player for the Blues.

Asked about his role in the France team, Youssouf Fofana likes to say that he is "the one who brings the air". The midfielder of AS Monaco puts a lot of intensity in his matches, he recovers a lot of balls and makes himself available to his partners.

Not necessarily flashy, the native of Bondy (Seine-Saint-Denis) is nevertheless very precious to Didier Deschamps. Able to play as a sentry or a relay, he can also bring a creative touch if needed.

At 23, Fofana is far from being the most experienced player in the France squad. But he has seized his chance since his first selection in September 2022. In four appearances, he has scored two goals and delivered one assist.

His performances have convinced Deschamps to make him a starter for the World Cup. In the absence of Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kanté, injured, Fofana will have a major role to play in the French midfield.

Against Australia on Tuesday, he will be responsible for providing balance to the Blues and allowing Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappé to express themselves offensively. A mission that he should fulfill with brio, so much his qualities are undeniable.

The rise of Youssouf Fofana

Fofana's rise has been meteoric. Trained at the INF Clairefontaine, he joined the AS Monaco training center in 2019. He quickly made a name for himself with the reserve team, then with the professional group.

In 2021-2022, he played a key role in Monaco's third place in Ligue 1. His performances earned him a place in the France U21 team, then in the A team.

Fofana is now one of the most promising midfielders in France. His performances in the World Cup could allow him to take a new step in his career.

Fofana's strengths

Fofana has many qualities that make him a valuable player for the France team. He is a hard worker, a good tackler and a good passer. He is also very comfortable with the ball at his feet.

Fofana is also a very intelligent player. He knows how to position himself well on the pitch and how to use his qualities to the best of his ability. He is a real team player who is always ready to help his partners.

Fofana's challenges

Despite his many qualities, Fofana still has some areas for improvement. He sometimes lacks consistency in his performance. He can also be a bit too eager to recover the ball, which can sometimes lead him to make mistakes.

But Fofana is still young and he has time to improve. He has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the world.

Conclusion

Youssouf Fofana is a young and talented midfielder who has established himself as a key player for the France team. He is a hard worker, a good tackler and a good passer. He is also very comfortable with the ball at his feet.

Fofana will have a major role to play in the French midfield during the World Cup. He will be responsible for providing balance to the Blues and allowing Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappé to express themselves offensively.

If he manages to raise his level of play, Fofana could become one of the stars of the competition.