Benched during the first two World Cup games played by France so far, Thomas Lemar would have the opportunity to start against Denmark on this Tuesday. The chance for the Maurice Revello Tournament 2015 winner to play his first game ever in this competition.
“Thomas Lemar has a fantastic left foot”. These words are from Corentin Tolisso, the Bayern Munich midfielder. The compliment paid by Tolisso to his teammate ahead of the Matchday 3 of the group stage isn’t trifling as Lemar will probably start the clash against Denmark on this Tuesday (16:00).
“If the coach selected me for the World Cup, it means that he trusts me. Whichever if I’m on the starting XI or on the bench, this is the same for me. I will give everything. Even if everybody wants to start a game”, said Lemar few days before the kick-off of the competition.
Not used against Australia and Peru, the 22-year-old midfielder will eventually have the opportunity to express himself. Considered as a regular starter few months earlier, Lemar didn’t get a lot of playing time with Les Bleus over the last games.
Notably because of a 2017-2018 campaign with AS Monaco (30 league games, 2 goals, 7 assists) less spectacular than the 2016-2017 season he has produced (34 league games, 9 goals, 10 assists).
If his form has dipped, the talent is still there. Like illustrated by his World Cup call-up as well as his recent transfer. Two days after the World Cup opener played by France, Atletico Madrid have announced the arrival of Thomas Lemar from AS Monaco.
The Europa League winners haven’t unveiled the transfer fee but according to the reports the transfer will cost a reported €72M.
From now on, there is no doubt about the Thomas Lemar’s future. It means that the France intenational (12 caps, 3 goals) will be focused on expressing his huge talent with his national team and maybe forcing his way back into Les Bleus starting XI.