Nordi Mukiele
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Sunderland defender Nordi Mukiele has been in exceptional form for the Black Cats this season, sparking discussions about his potential inclusion in France’s World Cup squad next summer. Reports from his home country suggest that Mukiele could force his way into the squad, despite the stiff competition for defensive positions.
Pierre-Etienne Minonzio said: “The one who will have the most chance, maybe, is Mukiele. So if you want, let’s think Mukiele, maybe the easiest, the slightest chance for him will be to play right-back. But he’s not often playing right-back with Sunderland, so it’s not good.”
Minonzio said: “At right back in France, you have Koundé at Barcelona – very, very good. And then you have the one from Chelsea, Gusto, who is good as well. And the problem as well is the fact that he’s not a real right-back, Mukiele.”
Minonzio said: “Deschamps will take one profile like Koundé – a centre-back who can play right-back – but not two. He will need a proper right-back. But it could be injuries. Otherwise, he could play centre-back on the right. But in this position, you have [Ibrahima] Konaté, [Dayot] Upamecano, [Benjamin] Pavard, who plays in Marseille – these three players are really in front of him.”
Minonzio said: “He has something for him – Mukiele is very close to [Ousmane] Dembélé and [Kylian] Mbappé. You know, he was with Mbappé in Sweden last year. They are quite close, and for Deschamps, that can count – especially for players who may not play many minutes. It’s important they have a good relationship with others. So this is a good point for Mukiele. But yeah, he’s very far from it at the moment.”
Mukiele’s only previous senior cap for France came in 2021, and despite his impressive club form, his chances of making the national team remain slim. The competition for defensive roles in the French squad is intense, with established players like Jules Koundé, Malo Gusto, Ibrahima Konaté, Dayot Upamecano, and Benjamin Pavard all ahead in the pecking order. However, Mukiele’s close relationship with key players like Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé could be a significant advantage. Such connections may influence Deschamps’ decision, particularly for squad players who might not see much game time but contribute positively to team dynamics.
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