France coach Didier Deschamps believes Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta has a good habit of scoring goals.
Mateta received his first international call-up for France for their upcoming clashes with Azerbaijan and Iceland following his fine start to the season at Crystal Palace.
In a chat with reporters, Deschamps urged Mateta to prove himself for a spot in France’s starting line-up during their two World Cup qualifying fixtures this month.
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“He has to do what he knows how to do, which is to play as naturally as possible,” Deschamps told reporters on Monday.
“He has a good habit of scoring goals, whether for his club or with the younger teams and the Olympic team during the Olympic Games. So this is a big moment for him. Let him come with his enthusiasm and his qualities.
“He knows most of the players because he’s had seen in the younger teams too. It’s not about winning me over (personally). That’s not how it works. (He has to prove himself) in the team, in training and during matches.”
France are currently top of Group D in World Cup qualifying and welcome Azerbaijan to Parc des Princes on Friday before travelling to Iceland three days later.
