Lee Hendrie believes France ace Adrien Rabiot will be ‘instrumental’ against England at the World Cup. The Juventus star is also a target for Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Les Bleus and the Three Lions clash in Qatar on Saturday, December 10 in the quarter-final of the FIFA tournament. France are striving to defend their title from Russia 2018 having so far eliminated Poland. While England came through a Round of 16 match with Senegal 3-0.
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Hendrie expects the midfield battle to have a significant say in the Al Bayt Stadium contest at 19:00 GMT. The former Three Lion feels the duel Rabiot will have with Jude Bellingham will set the tone for the clash. He also hails what the 33-cap star has shown so far this year.
Speaking on Sky Sports News (10/12, 09:24), Hendrie lauded how Rabiot has played a key role in France’s World Cup campaign. The 27-year-old has started all four of their games in Qatar yet. He also provided their first goal and an assist to beat Australia 4-1 after trailing.
“Rabiot is a fantastic player. He really is,” Hendrie said. “I’ve seen him playing in different areas in midfield. But he’s been instrumental in their play, really. Particularly when he has [Antoine] Griezmann in front of him. He’s got the ability to go and pick those passes out.”
France’s Rabiot shines at the World Cup as Newcastle and Tottenham show interest
Rabiot is shining with France at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar amid interest from Newcastle and Tottenham in the Juventus midfielder. Calciomercato cites Spurs as preparing to rival Arsenal and Chelsea with all three sides ready to pay his €10m-a-year (£165k-a/w) request.
The Saint-Maurice native – who did not go to the 2018 World Cup – will be out of contract at the end of the season. Juventus have not yet ruled out offering Rabiot a new deal at the Serie A side. But Bianconeri chiefs know they must up his €7m-a-year (£115k-a/w) salary.
Reports by Calciomercato also add Newcastle as a landing spot for Rabiot should he leave Juventus. The Magpies are ‘serious’ about edging any rivals for the midfielder following his form at the World Cup. They could also submit a ‘super offer’ as early as the January sales.
Rabiot has also held a key role in the Juventus set-up under Massimiliano Allegri this term. He provided three goals and two assists in 11 Serie A appearances before the break for the World Cup. The midfielder also struck two goals in five Champions League group stage ties.
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