Zidane hands Diouf a new role for France: ‘I enjoy playing in my normal position’ | OneFootball

Andy Diouf is fast becoming a utility player for France and Inter, as Zinedine Zidane had the midfielder playing in an entirely new position against Belgium in the Nations League on Monday evening: ‘I enjoy playing in my normal position, but I’m enjoying this as well’.

Diouf plays at left-back for France: ‘The most important thing is being on the pitch’

Diouf joined Inter from RC Lens as a central midfielder last summer, but found it difficult to break into the Nerazzurri first-team ahead of the likes of Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Petar Sucic, Piotr Zielinski and Henrikh Mkhitaryan last term.

He has found more consistent playing time under Cristian Chivu in the early stages of the 2026-27 season, albeit at right wing-back in a 3-5-2. Still, the Frenchman’s form in this position earned him his first call-up to the France national team squad earlier this month.

MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 08: Andy Diouf of Internazionale is challenged by Marc Cucurella of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 08, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Diouf was handed his international debut by Zidane in France’s 1-0 win away against Belgium on Monday evening and lined up in an entirely new position on the night: At left-back in a back four (4-3-3).

Diouf had an opportunity to discuss his new status as a utility man during his post-match talk with the media in the mixed zone, telling reporters that he is enjoying himself even if he would rather play in his natural position in central midfield.

“With Inter as well, I’m playing in a position that isn’t my most natural, but as I’ve said, the most important thing at the moment is being on the pitch,” said Diouf.

“It’s true that I enjoy playing in my normal position, but I’m enjoying this as well.”

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – SEPTEMBER 28: Players of France pose for a team photograph before the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Belgium and France at Stade Roi Baudouin on September 28, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

There were several Serie A players in the France line-up on Monday evening, including Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, Juventus’s Pierre Kalulu at right-back and Como’s Lucas Da Cunha in central midfield. Adrien Rabiot and Jean Butez were named among the substitutes.