Larqué enthusiastic after Da Cunha's debut: « He has nothing to be intimidated about »

Lucas Da Cunha impressed on his first start with the France team on Monday evening against Belgium (1-0), in the second UEFA Nations League match for the squad managed by Zinédine Zidane. Former international Jean-Michel Larqué delivered an enthusiastic analysis of the midfielder’s performance.

« Little Da Cunha, he has nothing to be intimidated about, I’m telling you. Nothing at all! He’s in the flow, » Larqué declared, emphasizing that the player looked comfortable from his first international start.

The former partner of Thierry Roland expanded his remarks to all the newcomers fielded that evening. He notably expressed his surprise regarding Eduardo Camavinga: « I’d even say a player like Camavinga almost surprised me. » Larqué also mentioned Jérémy Jacquet and Andy Diouf, of whom he believed « could be the Lilian Thuram of 2026 ». Désiré Doué also received strong praise: « How beautiful it is to be a footballer like that. »

Beyond individual compliments, Larqué drew a broader conclusion from the evening. « We had a great time, we enjoyed ourselves, but I think there are some regular starters who might be a little worried, » he concluded, suggesting that competition in midfield is intensifying seriously as the next international fixtures approach.

This victory against Belgium followed the success in Turkey in the first group-stage match, confirming France’s strong start in this competition.