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The first few times are always special. You try not to let your nerves get to you or make you too anxious. You try to assimilate everything and make the most of it. Monday was a special day in the life of Eduardo Camavinga. At just 17 years old, he became the youngest player since World War II to be called up by France.
The midfielder arrived at Clairefontaine shortly before noon, ready for lunch. You could guess the huge grin under his mask, with his usual dreadlocks held back with a headband. He kept it low-key in a Fendi sweater, beige jeans, and Air Jordan sneakers. Didier Deschamps greeted him at the door like all the other players, but perhaps with more attention. The France coach knows he has his latest jewel in his hands.
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Deschamps thought about calling him earlier, but thinks the time was right. “I didn’t choose him for the sake of doing it or to please him. The circumstances [Paul Pogba tested positive for COVID-19] It meant it came a little earlier, but I know it has the potential, “Deschamps told reporters Monday.
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When he punched Camavinga to say hello, the head coach couldn’t help but make a joke like he always does. “Everything okay? Did you have a good weekend? I don’t know, I didn’t see anything,” said the coach to his new protected, laughing and of course referring to the fantastic goal that the prodigy scored for Stade Rennes against Montpellier.
Camavinga had three words to really express her feelings: “joy, pride and excitement.” As she explained to the media through a video conference on Tuesday, “this is a child’s dream, and I am still a child.”
Imagine being 17 and finding yourself having dinner on Monday night, singing your initiation song in front of World Cup champions like Antoine Griezmann, Hugo Lloris and Raphael Varane.
“Playing for your country is fantastic. It would mean a lot to me and my family. I had to prepare for this day. I started very young in Ligue 1.” [at 16]. You always hope to play for your country one day. Thanks to my hard work, it happened early, “he told the media on Tuesday.
“I can’t get carried away, but I enjoy every moment. I don’t feel any pressure. When you know that the head coach has faith in you, it’s easier.”
17-year-old Eduardo Camavinga is one of the brightest talents in Europe and already tops the wish lists of some of the biggest clubs in the world. Photo by DAMIEN MEYER / AFP) (Photo by DAMIEN MEYER / AFP via Getty Images
However, of all the people on the field, the impression of the young midfielder is quite incredible. “Mature”, “motivated”, “educated”, “good values”, “very talented” are the words that are repeated the most. Guy Stephan, Deschamps’ assistant who has explored Camavinga extensively over the past 18 months, was full of praise.
“He has no weaknesses. He can play anywhere in midfield. He’s so good technically that he can find some passes that no other player can.”
Stephan saw him play for the first time in July 2018 and was stunned. Like everyone who has played with him, against him or watched him closely, it is very clear: Camavinga is a phenomenon.
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We have seen young players struggle before on the national team because of pressure, expectations and the overwhelming feeling of playing with the elite. Not Camavinga. At least not now. In training so far this week, he has looked so serene, like someone who has been there for years.
“This is what has always amazed me about him. He is so talented, intelligent and mature that he always looks in his element. He is not fazed by anything,” said his Rennes manager Julien Stephan, who gave Camavinga his first team. . He debuted in April 2019 at 16 years and four months old. “Every time, he has to go one step higher, he does. He is an incredible young man and an incredible talent.” Since that debut, he has continued to improve and has only gotten stronger and stronger.
Camavinga’s rise to the top is no surprise. From the first time you saw him play in the youth ranks of Rennes or France, or even in Ligue 1, his talent was so evident that you knew he was aiming for the top. You are well on your way. After leading Rennes to a third place in the league last season, the best in history, they will discover the Champions League this year with the number 10 behind them. He chose to stay at least one more season with Rennes, where he won the Coupe de France just over a year ago. After that, the best clubs will queue again to sign him, probably for more than 100 million euros.
Whether it’s Saturday in Sweden or Tuesday against Croatia, the youngster is sure to celebrate his first internationalization with France, the country he moved to from Angola at age two. This week, he stays in Pogba’s bedroom, one of the largest in Clairefontaine’s headquarters. There is a double irony there; Pogba has always been Camavinga’s inspiration and it was fitting that he also replaced him on the team.
While he will have to return the spacious bedroom to Pogba next time, Camavinga can get used to being with him. The Blues since it is certainly where the young man belongs.
Source: espn.co.uk
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