Deschamps Commends France's Back-Up Brigade Following 3-1 Win Against Azerbaijan

France's national football team showcased their depth in a 3-1 victory over Azerbaijan, despite missing key players like Kylian Mbappe. Didier Deschamps opted to rest several stars, including Mike Maignan

and Michael Olise. The match saw France initially fall behind but quickly recover with goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Maghnes Akliouche. An own goal by Sahruddin Mahammadaliyev further secured their lead before halftime.

Les Bleus concluded their World Cup qualifying campaign at the top of Group D, amassing 16 points, which placed them six points ahead of Ukraine. Deschamps expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, particularly highlighting the contributions of Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche. The young winger impressed by creating two chances and delivering nine crosses during the match.

Jean-Philippe Mateta made a significant impact by scoring a header in only his second start for France. Deschamps praised Mateta's performance, stating it was beneficial for both the player and the team. "We average a little over two goals per match, which is very good," Deschamps noted, emphasizing the team's offensive strength.

Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike also caught Deschamps' attention during the game. Positioned on the left wing, Ekitike managed just one shot but demonstrated his potential through dynamic play and speed. Deschamps acknowledged Ekitike's growing confidence and ability to cover ground effectively, adding depth to France's attacking options.

Akliouche has shown remarkable progress, according to Deschamps. Initially reserved, he has become more expressive on the field, contributing significantly to the team's success. "He has been improving steadily," Deschamps remarked about Akliouche's development and increasing impact during matches.

Thank you for the support pic.twitter.com/eiSwFVjDzh French Team (@FrenchTeam) November 16, 2025

Deschamps' strategy of rotating players paid off as his backup squad delivered an impressive performance against Azerbaijan. This approach not only secured victory but also provided valuable experience for emerging talents within the team. As France looks ahead to future competitions, these players are expected to play crucial roles in maintaining their competitive edge on the international stage.