Zouma’s performance alongside Thiago Silva as a member of Chelsea’s defense has paid off brilliantly as he got a call-up for a triple-header against Finland, Portugal and Sweden in France.
After Leipzig center-back Upamecano withdrew from the squad due to an illness, 26-year-old Zouma remained an unused substitute in the Nations League clash of France with Croatia last month.
It was a tough time for the world champions, and when Deschamps announced the lastest 26-man party earlier this month, Upamecano and Laporte were not a part of the squad.
Zouma has not played for the national side yet as he has not shown the performance that Deschamps expects from a French defender. Zouma had struggled in Chelsea and was almost on the verge of being forgotten but destiny had some other plans as he revived his career and became one of the regular starters in Lampard’s side.
“There’s competition everywhere. Kurt has been with us for a while, he’s been called up many times but hasn’t played that much,” said France head coach as per Bein Sports reports.
“If I pick him it’s because I think he’s better than the other people because of what he’s doing at Chelsea. He had a few injuries in a row but now he’s been very fit for a while, he’s very calm, so he’s here.”
‘He was with us before and is going through a more difficult moment,’ he continued.
‘He knows he can do better.’ However, he added, ‘If you’re asking why I picked those four central defenders, I have to choose.’
Until the last world cup, Samuel Umtiti had been rock solid beside Real Madrid’s Rafael Varane but one serious injury has seemed him going down the pecking order to such an extent that his future at Camp Nou is very uncertain as well.
On the other hand, despite the arrival of Thiago Silva in Chelsea, Zouma has excelled and cemented his partnership with him making Chelsea’s defense solid this season.
‘Of course, if it’s not him, it’s another, it’s about the competition. Kurt Zouma in that case is doing very well, he’s a starter at Chelsea, and he knows the French team as well.
“The door is not closed [for Upamecano]. I make that choice today because it’s logical to me. Will it be the same in March and June? It’s the same thing for all of the players who were not called but can hope to be in the national team,” said Deschasmps.
Deschamps also talked about Upamecano who is a young player and has a lot of potentials. Although he is not been selected, he insisted that the door is not closed on Upamecano ahead of the delayed European Championships next summer.
