At the start of 2024, Didier Deschamps was still skeptical about the presence of Bradley Barcola in his list for the Euro. The PSG winger managed to change the perception of his coach. “I thought that everything was perhaps coming a little quickly,” he conceded yesterday. What he had done was already very interesting. He has done other things since he confirmed, and that does not date from the match against Nice (2-1, Wednesday). » Through convincing performances and honorable statistics (5 goals, 9 assists), the ex-Lyonnais definitively validated his choice to leave the banks of the Rhône to join Paris last summer.
If Deschamps decided to call Barcola (21 years old), it is because he is convinced of what the Frenchman can bring to his group. The past has proven that players with no experience can become major assets in a major competition.
Compensating for Coman’s lack of form
The presence of Barcola is due to several factors. The expansion of the list from 23 to 25 men, firstly, but also “thanks” to the injury of Kingsley Coman. Affected in the adductors on April 13 with Bayern Munich, the winger is in the rehabilitation phase. “If all goes well, he will be able to participate in group training for the start of the course (May 29). » In the event of persistent problems, Barcola is ready. “He has this ability to create differences through dribbling, through his speed, he scores goals too,” said Deschamps. Over time, it will become more effective. »
The Parisian also has an interesting versatility going for him. He is capable of playing on both sides of the attack and even in the middle. Luis Enrique, his coach, has always cited him among the contenders for this position.
Differences and freshness
This is a considerable advantage because it is also a flaw detected by Deschamps in his group in recent years. The coach has always looked for players capable of making a difference coming off the bench. Barcola proved with PSG that he knew how to get into the rhythm of a match in a few minutes.
Beyond the field, the player will also bring a refreshing side after a difficult March rally. Did Deschamps also want to bring a little freshness among men who thought they would arrive at the Euro and win the competition without competition? The Parisian will bring this new perspective and this discovery of each moment which can prove very appreciable in a group that has to rub shoulders with each other for such a long time.
