French media question Rabiot's place after Da Cunha debut
Quick summary
French media outlets are debating whether Adrien Rabiot remains the right choice for the France national team following the debut of Da Cunha.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceLucas Da Cunha could hardly have chosen a better night for his France debut, and the reaction in the French press has been unanimous.
The Como midfielder was handed a first senior cap by Zinedine Zidane in Monday’s 1-0 win in Belgium, deployed as the deep-lying anchor in midfield and charged with containing Youri Tielemans. He lasted until the 90th minute and came close to marking the occasion with a goal, striking the post from distance just after the hour.
COMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 10: Lucas Da Cunha of Como 1907 reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Como 1907 and RB Leipzig at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on September 10, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images) Da Cunha ‘A profile French football doesn’t have’ The pundits on RMC Sport were struck by what he offers, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“Da Cunha? He’s one of those players you immediately want to see again. It’s a profile that French football lacks,” they said. “How many times have we said we needed a technical player in front of the defence? On his first cap he found himself under constant pressing from Belgium, but he always kept great composure.”
Daniel Riolo went further, crediting Da Cunha with improving the team and using the performance to question Adrien Rabiot’s place under Zidane.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 04: Adrien Rabiot #14 of France arrives at the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Paraguay and France at Philadelphia Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) “The midfield made the difference and it’s no coincidence that we saw a side with more movement and a more fluid build-up,” the journalist said. “I think this is also down to the absence of certain players. I’m not sure a footballer like Adrien Rabiot can bring benefits in Zidane’s system.”
The numbers backed the praise: 83 passes completed from 89, six recoveries, four duels won and two tackles.
Da Cunha, 25, came through the Rennes academy before moving to Nice and then Como in January 2023, helping them climb from Serie B to the Champions League.
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What happened
Following Da Cunha's debut for the France national team, French media are openly questioning the continued selection of Adrien Rabiot. Commentators suggest that Da Cunha brings qualities the French squad currently lacks, potentially putting Rabiot's place in the squad under threat. The discussion reflects broader tactical debates within French football about the ideal midfield balance ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
Chance analysis
Debate over a national-team starting spot is the kind of selection pressure that rarely resolves quickly, and the French midfield conversation is no exception. Da Cunha's debut has given selectors and pundits a new point of comparison with the established Rabiot, sharpening the discussion about what France want from that role. For Rabiot, the next camp will likely be framed as a response, while Da Cunha now has genuine momentum behind his international push.
Rabiot faces increased competition for his France national team spot following Da Cunha's promising debut.