Saël Kumbedi is the surprise call-up Zidane had been watching

France began its November training camp at Clairefontaine on Monday, ahead of Nations League matches against Italy and Turkey. The surprise in the squad is Saël Kumbedi, a 21-year-old defender playing in Germany’s second division who caught Zinédine Zidane’s eye.

The coach described his approach this weekend on Téléfoot: “A coach watches a lot of matches. A lot, a lot, a lot of matches. I watch all my players, so that means a lot. And sometimes I watch them again, because I need to see something else, in the details. But that’s normal. I can even watch a second-division match, and, in fact, I do that from time to time.” His words help explain Kumbedi’s selection: the level at which he plays did not stop Zidane from keeping track of him.

The call-up came as a surprise to the young defender. “I was getting ready to join the under-21s, so I was at home, waiting for my taxi, and then I got a phone call. They told me I was going to be with the senior team, so I was really happy,” Kumbedi said. He also called the selection “a dream coming true now”, while stressing that “it isn’t the end goal” and that he must keep working and stay grounded.

Zidane had also spoken about following young players on 30 September, when addressing the under-21s in Yvelines. “I’m going to keep following you anyway, all of you a little,” he told them. Kumbedi came across Elyaz Zidane during his time with the under-21s. The defender has played seven Bundesliga 2 matches this season, after being troubled by a few physical issues last month. He had already made an impression with the under-21s.

The next step is to turn the surprise selection into an opportunity on the pitch. Kumbedi could get minutes during the camp, although that prospect appears difficult. France’s players are training at Clairefontaine this evening under Zidane and his staff. After the session, they also met supporters there for photographs and autographs.