France boss Didier Deschamps feels Adrien Rabiot is showing he is a ‘complete’ midfielder at the World Cup. His form comes amid Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur showing interest.
Rabiot has played an instrumental role in Les Bleus’ early efforts in Qatar as they strive to defend their title. The 27-year-old started the 2018 champions’ opening 4-1 and 2-1 wins over Australia and Denmark. He then only featured from the 63rd minute against Tunisia.
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Australia additionally fell victim to Rabiot at his best in the opening game for Group D. He drew France level with a 27th-minute header before turning creator and setting up Olivier Giroud to score. The efforts were only Rabiot’s third goal and second assist for Les Bleus.
Deschamps sought to rest Rabiot against Tunisia having already secured their place in the Round of 16. But the France boss felt obliged to introduce the Juventus midfielder as their first change after falling 1-0 down. Rabiot could not help his national team salvage a draw.
Deschamps hails ‘complete’ Rabiot as Arsenal and Tottenham chase the France star
The Tunisia affair returned Rabiot’s 32nd cap and third World Cup appearance after failing to make France’s 2018 title-winning squad. Deschamps is likely to recall the Saint-Maurice native to their starting line-up against Poland in the Round of 16 on Sunday, December 4.
Deschamps is in awe of the player Rabiot is proving himself to be at the World Cup as a key part of France’s team. The Bleus manager has lauded what the former Paris Saint-Germain technician is offering in Qatar. He also feels his form is a continuation of his Juventus work.
“He’s giving continuity to what he’s done with his club,” Deschamps noted, via quotes by Calciomercato. “I know the character well on a human level and that’s how he is.
“He’s changed a bit, he’s taken something away and today he’s a complete midfielder. He is said to be a balance player, but he is capable of doing as well in defence as in attack. He’s smart, he always knows where he needs to be.”
Deschamps’ praise for Rabiot’s World Cup form comes amid interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham in the France ace. Calciomercato recently reported the Premier League trio are all ready to pursue the midfielder if Juventus look to move him on in the January sales.
Rabiot is out of contract in Turin when his €7m-a-year (£115k-a/w) deal expires next June. Juventus are yet to rule out offering an extension but know he and his agent/mother will demand €10m-a-year (£165k-a/w). Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham would meet his fee.
Tottenham managing director Fabio Paratici is a great admirer of Rabiot, so will push any interest from Arsenal and Chelsea for the France star. The London rivals’ appreciation of his ability also follows Manchester United initially agreeing a €22m (£19m) fee in the summer.
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