Euro 2024: Julien Laurens predicts that Warren Zaire-Emery will be France’s standout player at the tournament.

Warren Zaire-Emery has been hailed as the rising star of the French national team ahead of Euro 2024 by Julien Laurens, a renowned football expert. Laurens believes that the 18-year-old Paris Saint-Germain defender possesses incredible talent and maturity beyond his years. He describes Zaire-Emery as a prodigy that only emerges once every two decades.

Laurens expects the teenager to make a significant impact at the tournament, despite not being a starter initially. Zaire-Emery made his debut at the age of 17 and has already showcased his skills in the Champions League group stage, including a memorable goal against Dortmund. Laurens predicts that France will rely on Zaire-Emery to deliver when he comes off the bench and even suggests that he could earn a place in the starting lineup later in the tournament.

In addition to praising Zaire-Emery, Laurens also discussed the potential starting lineup for France. He highlighted the center-back positions as the main talking points in coach Didier Deschamps’ squad. Due to injuries and fitness concerns, Laurens believes that Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano will be the preferred choices. However, he argues that William Saliba, who has been in top form for Arsenal, should be given the opportunity to start.

Laurens also mentioned Jules Kounde as a possible makeshift right-back and suggested that Kingsley Coman’s return from injury could influence Deschamps’ attacking options. He proposed a lineup consisting of Theo Hernandez at left-back, Kounde at right-back, and a midfield trio of Antoine Griezmann, Adrien Rabiot, and Aurelien Tchouameni. Up front, Laurens believes that Kylian Mbappe, Marcus Thuram, and Ousmane Dembele could form the attacking trio.

Overall, Laurens is optimistic about France’s chances at Euro 2024, with Zaire-Emery and other talented players expected to shine on the international stage.