Zidane tests Désiré Doué as Mbappé replacement

France coach Zinedine Zidane is using the current gathering to reshape the team’s attack in the absence of captain Kylian Mbappé. Paris Saint-Germain forward Désiré Doué has emerged as the main option being examined, giving the coach a versatile alternative in the front line.

Doué came on for Mbappé on the left against Turkey, but Zidane has also considered moving him into a central false-nine role. During the latest training session at the King Baudouin Stadium, the 20-year-old worked through the middle, a position he has occupied at times for PSG. His ability to carry the ball, drop into midfield and run behind the defence has encouraged the coaching staff to explore the change.

That arrangement may not be the final plan. Doué is more likely to begin on the right as cover for Michael Olise, which would open the way for Estéban Lepaul to make his first start. Ousmane Dembélé could then begin among the substitutes. The final attacking configuration will be confirmed at kick-off, but Zidane’s work during this camp shows an effort to develop more options and greater unpredictability while Mbappé is unavailable.