France may have lost the World Cup Final on Sunday, but there were some positives to take, even in defeat, for the French.
Indeed, while this may feel like the end of an era after reaching two World Cup finals, things may only just be getting starting for this crop of players.
Yes, the likes of Hugo Lloris, Raphael Varane and Olivier Giroud are all likely playing at their last-ever World Cups, but the young core of this France side is remarkable.
Kylian Mbappe is already arguably the greatest striker in World Cup history, Eduardo Camavinga, Jules Kounde and Aurelien Tchouameni are starters for Barcelona and Real Madrid, while William Saliba and Ibrahima Konate are two of the best defenders in the Premier League.
The future is bright for France, and on Sunday, yet another young star announced himself on the world stage – Randal Kolo Muani.
The striker was subbed on for Ousmane Dembele after just 40 minutes of the final, and it’s fair to say he had a huge impact.
The speedster’s showing was lauded in the French media after the game.
French press love Kolo Muani
The media in France hailed this young man.
“We already know what his nightmares will be made of for the next three years. But we also know who the combinations with Mbappé will come from over the next ten years,” SoFoot wrote
“Very good entry. Has put some pep in the offensive domain of the Blues. Wasn’t afraid to try, to take initiatives. Triggered the penalty thanks to a good breakthrough. Missing the match point at the end of extra time. His discovery of the international level during this World Cup should make him grow,” RMC Sport added in their review.
“The Frankfurt player made his liveliness speak. Already bringing much more than Dembélé in just a few minutes. Very involved, it is thanks to his race that the Blues obtained a penalty and returned to the match. After that, he was decisive for the Blues by being in all the right moves, especially at the end of the game when the match was going in all directions,” FootMercato summarised.
Destined for greatness
The French clearly believe that Kolo Muani is destined for big things, and a move away from Frankfurt seems to be almost inevitable.
Indeed, this is a player who looks like he belongs amongst Europe’s elite, and if recent reports are to be believed, he could well end up at Liverpool.
His World Cup final showing proved that he’d be a great fit for the Reds and their energetic style of play. The Merseyside club just need to find a way to get a deal done.
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