The international break has been productive for several Bayern Munich. Several players have found the scoresheet for national teams or played a massive role in winning the first game of the international break. Dayot Upamecano continued his fine form from World Cup to help France clinch an emphatic 4-0 win against the Netherlands on Friday.
Upamecano started against the Dutch in the heart of defense alongside Ibrahima Konate. He delivered a flawless performance in and out of possession against the Dutch side. The 24-year-old center-back also scored the goal early in the game to double the lead for the French team.
Dayot Upamecano has firmly established himself as one of the key players for Didier Deschamps. He managed to make his mark for France on the biggest stage of international football. The French boss publicly praised him during the World Cup as he delivered stellar performances on their road to the final.
The performances of Upamecano for the national team have also caught the attention of a French great. While talking to L’Equipe, former French defender Marcel Desailly admitted that Upamecano has the potential to become an all-time great for France in the center-back position.
"“They (Upamecano and Konaté), especially Upamecano, can become the greatest defenders that France has ever had, if the team continues to win titles. This is their time, I’m certain of that.”"
Desailly also particularly highlighted Upamecano’s ability to come out on top in 1 vs 1 situations. He is proud of the development of Konate and Upamecano and backs them to be a mainstay in the French team from now on.
Upamecano showed great leadership qualities during the World Cup. He will have more responsibility on his shoulders in the national team after Raphael Varane announced his retirement from international football. The Bayern Munich defender is now the main man for Didier Deschamps in the back four.
The former RB Leipzig defender has also steadily improved at Bayern this season. He endured a mixed debut season after arriving from Leipzig for a big fee in 2021. The 24-year-old defender often had lapses in concentration last season, but he has worked on this flaw to become one of the reliable performers for Die Roten this season. His aggressive approach to defending sets the tone for the team in big games.
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Dayot Upamecano will have a big role to play for Bayern under Thomas Tuchel. The newly appointed head coach is likely to stick with him and Matthijs de Ligt in central defense if he uses a four-man defense. Tuchel improved Chelsea’s defense significantly, so it would be exciting to see how he improves young defenders at Bayern.