Euro 2016: Ex-Man United star backs France’s Dimitri Payet to shine in absence of Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann
West Ham ace lines up as Didier Deschamps' No10 as Red Devils youngster Anthony Martial also makes the cut
DIMITRI PAYET has been backed to lead France to victory over Albania in the absence of star duo Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann.
The West Ham star lines up in the No.10 role for Didier Deschamps’ men tonight after spending most of his time out on the left wing.
France have decided to leave out Pogba altogether for the group stage clash at the Stade Velodrome, allowing Payet to take up a central role in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
His recent international goals have been vital for Deschamps, with a terrific effort helping the French earn a win in their opener against Romania.
And with star forward Griezmann also left out – with Manchester United’s Anthony Martial coming in – all eyes will be on Payet to deliver the goods and crush any potential upset.
The pressure is on for the 29-year-old, who only returned to the national scene earlier this season following a fantastic campaign under Slaven Bilic.
But ITV pundit and former Manchester United ace Norman Whiteside believes Payet has enough in his locker to help France win, saying: “It’s a bit surprising with Pogba a bit.
“But Payet is in the No 10. The one thing you need to play in that spot is a little bit of a brain, you need to be clever to play in that role, know where to go, what angles to do.
“I think he’s got all that, he can do all the little one-twos etc, but as we know he’s got a great shot as well.”