Ajorque knocks on France's door ahead of Zidane's squad announcement Friday

Ludovic Ajorque is forcing his way into the conversation for France’s next squad, which Zinédine Zidane must unveil Friday at 6 p.m. ahead of Nations League matches against Italy (November 12) and Turkey (November 15).

The 32-year-old Brest striker once again impressed during the Breton derby victory over Lorient (2-0), scoring a superb right-footed strike despite being naturally left-footed. Since the start of the season, the Réunion-born giant has four goals and two assists, bringing his combined tally of goals and assists in Ligue 1 to 100 — a milestone that gives him a legitimacy that is hard to ignore.

His manager Julien Lachuer became his advocate without hesitation: « We have very great players in France, Ludo is one of them. If he needs him, he will answer the call. Ludo is a player who makes the collective better. He’s not world-class like some, but he has this game intelligence and this sense of the collective. If the manager needs to have a presence, to have someone who attracts the ball and makes others better, Ludo is available. »

His teammate Lucas Tousart agrees: « Ludo is a great striker, he’s capable of making the right gesture at the right moment. He brings us so much and he’s capable of unlocking matches like that. »

The question remains open on the selection side. In the category of holding forwards, Marcus Thuram (35 caps), in great form with Inter Milan, maintains a comfortable lead over all his competitors. Zidane has also shown a marked preference for young talent since taking office. But the surprise call-up of Esteban Lepaul in September reminded us that the door was not closed to Ligue 1 players — and that a good run at the right time can be enough to shake up the manager’s plans.