Ajorque impresses against Angers, his manager calls for France call-up

Ludovic Ajorque delivered a commanding centre-forward performance against Angers, opening the scoring in the 9th minute and putting constant pressure on the Angers defence. Enough to prompt his manager, Julien Lachuer, to speak out in favour of a France call-up.

« I heard the manager wanted a player with a strong presence in the box. If he was watching on TV… I’m going to push for Ludo Ajorque to be called up to France. In any case, he deserves it », said the Breton manager after the match.

Lachuer’s comments come at a favourable time for outsiders. During Zinedine Zidane’s first gathering with the Blues, seven new players were called up and six took the pitch for the first time in selection: Guillaume Restes, Lenny Yoro, Jérémy Jacquet, Andy Diouf, Lucas Da Cunha and Esteban Lepaul. While Jacquet and Da Cunha particularly impressed, Rennes forward Lepaul was judged unconvincing in his two starts against Belgium, leaving the door open for other attacking profiles.

Zidane had made clear from the outset his desire to break with his predecessor’s habits, changing tactics, philosophy and significantly refreshing the squad. The outcome of this first gathering — three wins and a draw — vindicated him on substance. The question of the number nine, however, remains open.