Leny Yoro could hardly have asked for a better first night with France.
The Manchester United defender made his senior international debut against Belgium on Monday and played the entire 90 minutes as France recovered from Dodi Lukebakio’s goal to win 4-1.
Yoro’s call-up came after Ibrahima Konate was ruled out and Dayot Upamecano was suspended. With Jeremy Jacquet then withdrawing because of a knock, the 20-year-old was brought into the starting team after initially joining the U-21 team.
Zidane gave him his chance, and he did not look out of place for a moment throughout the game.
Yoro had 89 touches and completed 74 of his 78 passes, dictating the defence despite his first cap for the Les Bleus.
Leny Yoro France debut on a flying start after quiet start at Man Utd
There was a different story at Manchester United before the international break.
Yoro had made only two Premier League appearances for Manchester United this season, and both came from the bench. His only starts came in the Champions League win over Sabah and the embarrassing EFL Cup defeat to Brighton, where he started alongside Ayden Heaven.
That lack of regular football made his France opportunity particularly important.
Belgium had little to offer after Lukebakio’s opener, while France changed the game after the break through substitutes Desire Doue and Michael Olise.
Yoro stayed composed alongside debutant Lacroix, as his side turned the score around, marking a memorable debut for him.
L’Équipe singled him out as one of the positives from the game, and the performance gives the young defender something useful to take back to Manchester.
The bigger question arises now. Can he take his brilliant international form back to Old Trafford and earn more regular opportunities?
