Deschamps Trusts Rabiot's Tactical Brilliance in the Expanded Tournament
The 31-year-old midfielder experienced a tumultuous start to his domestic campaign after a training ground altercation led to an abrupt September transfer from Olympique de Marseille to AC Milan. Despite missing out on Champions League football at club level, Rabiot has seamlessly transitioned back into his natural habitat on the international stage.
Boasting 62 caps for France, Rabiot stands as the third most experienced player in Didier Deschamps' squad behind Kylian Mbappe and N"Golo Kante. His elite tactical culture and remarkable work rate make him an ideal fit for France"s current 4-2-3-1 setup, where covering defensive space is paramount.
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His teammates have been quick to praise his leadership and conditioning on the pitch. "What shocks me the most is that he is really everywhere: when we attack, he is there. When we defend, he is there," said forward Bradley Barcola, who described the veteran midfielder as a protective older brother figure for the younger players.
Arriving fresh at Clairefontaine after a unique domestic season, Rabiot's elegant performances in the United States have justified Deschamps' faith. As France progresses deeper into the tournament, the midfielder's quiet leadership and positional fluidity remain core components of the team's pursuit of another world title.