France coach Didier Deschamps feels that Benjamin Pavard is “more at ease” at Inter Milan, and Marcus Thuram is the “heir” to Olivier Giroud.
Deschamps spoke to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published in yesterday’s print edition, via FCInterNews.
This summer, Inter will have two players in France’s squad at the Euros.
Both of the two are players who joined the Nerazzurri from clubs in the Bundesliga last summer.
Defender Pavard joined Inter from Bayern Munich. He made the switch after four years in Bavaria.
And striker Thuram came to Inter from Borussia Monchengladbach, joining on a free transfer.
Pavard is a player who has been established in the French national team for several years now.
The 28-year-old really made his name with Les Bleus at the 2018 World Cup, where he was a starter all throughout the tournament including in the final.
And Thuram, meanwhile, is a player who has become more and more of a feature for his national team,
Deschamps: “Pavard More At Ease At Inter, Thuram The Heir To Giroud”
In the case of Pavard, one of the main reasons that the Frenchman decided to join Inter was that he knew he would be playing as a centre-back thre.
At Bayern, Pavard had often played on the right of a back four rather than in the centre.
“I know perfectly well that he prefers to play as a central defender,” Deschamps said of the 28-year-old.
“Even if he’s evolved at Inter in a difference system from ours,” the France coach noted.
“Given that Inzaghi also asks him to push up a lot.”
“It’s clear to see that now he feels more at ease as a central defender than in the past,” Deschamps said.
Meanwhile, the France coach also gave his thoughts on striker Thuram.
“Marcus had a good season at Inter,” he said.
“He became a more effective player, harmonious with Lautaro Martinez.
“Marcus can play all along the attack,” argued Deschamps.
“He doesn’t have the same characteristics as Oliver [Giroud],” the coach said. “But he can be his heir.”
