Warren Zaïre-Emery impresses France after quarter-final cameo against Morocco | OneFootball

Warren Zaïre-Emery impressed for France with a lively late cameo in the 2-0 World Cup quarter-final win over Morocco, drawing praise from Didier Deschamps and senior team-mates.

Making his first appearance of the tournament, the 20-year-old replaced Manu Koné for the final 20 minutes. According to L'Équipe, he injected energy, running and bite into midfield. He had not featured at Euro 2024 either.

Deschamps judged his impact very good and stressed that everyone must be ready, adding that the group builds and shares emotions.

Zaïre-Emery called it a memorable moment and said the focus now turns to preparing for the semi-final. He described an exceptional season filled with joy.

He admitted it had been frustrating not to play, but said he kept his head up and belief, trying to give everything for the group. Behind Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot and Koné in the pecking order, his chance followed Tchouaméni’s adductor issue.

Ousmane Dembélé said he was delighted for him, felt he deserves to play in this team and helps any side, and that he will have minutes and importance.

There are two matches left for him to show more. The current midfield order is not expected to change, with Koné retaining the staff’s trust beyond the Tchouaméni situation. Even so, the Parisian can hope for late-game roles he had stopped imagining after the third match.

Source: L'Équipe