Kamara, Aston Villa's midfield leader, makes serious case for France recall under Zidane

Boubacar Kamara has only five caps with the France national team, but his consistency with Aston Villa is seriously reviving his candidacy for the next France squad gathering. Solid once again on Saturday, the 26-year-old midfielder has established himself as the driving force in Aston Villa’s midfield since Youri Tielemans’ departure to Manchester United.

Midfield is one of the first priorities opened by Zinédine Zidane since taking charge of the France team. The manager has already made some notable changes during the first squad gathering, calling up Lucas Da Cunha for the first time and recalling Eduardo Camavinga. In November, the question of Aurélien Tchouaméni’s return — being managed due to injury — will also arise.

Kamara presents a profile that had already impressed Didier Deschamps: commanding in the tackle, capable of breaking lines with the ball at his feet and blessed with fine passing quality, he fits the register that Zidane appears keen to develop. His two knee injuries, occurring at the worst possible times — before Euro 2024, then before the 2026 World Cup — interrupted a trajectory that had promised much. His last cap dates back to November 2023, in a 14-0 victory over Gibraltar.

At 26, the former Marseille player still has room for improvement. If Zidane is looking for an additional midfield option for the next squad gathering, Kamara is among the most serious candidates.