What's Happening?
Hugo Ekitike, who recently transferred to Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt for £69 million, has been left out of the French national team by manager Didier Deschamps for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland. Ekitike has made a strong start at Liverpool, scoring in each of his first three matches, including the Community Shield against Crystal Palace and Premier League games against Bournemouth and Newcastle. Despite his impressive performance, Deschamps has opted not to include him in the squad, instead giving a first call-up to Monaco midfielder Maghnes Akliouche. The French squad will face Ukraine on September 5 and Iceland on September 9.
Why It's Important?
Ekitike's exclusion from the French squad is significant as it highlights the competitive nature of international team selections, even for players performing well at club level. His absence could impact his international career trajectory and may influence his future performances at Liverpool. For France, the decision to include Akliouche over Ekitike suggests a strategic focus on midfield strength, potentially affecting their gameplay in the qualifiers. This decision also underscores Deschamps' approach to team selection, prioritizing certain players over others despite their club success.
What's Next?
Ekitike will continue to focus on his club career with Liverpool, aiming to maintain his scoring streak and possibly earn a future call-up to the national team. For France, the upcoming matches against Ukraine and Iceland will test Deschamps' squad choices, and the performance of new call-up Akliouche will be closely watched. The outcomes of these qualifiers could influence future team selections and strategies as France prepares for the World Cup.
Beyond the Headlines
Ekitike's exclusion raises questions about the criteria for national team selection and the balance between club performance and international potential. It also highlights the pressure on players to consistently perform at both levels to secure their place in national squads. This situation may prompt discussions on the fairness and transparency of selection processes in international football.
