World Cup Scout: France vs Australia - Tottenham and Arsenal target eager to impress

To some, Benjamin Pavard’s inclusion in France’s World Cup squad was something of a surprise. The 22-year-old has limited international experience and plies his trade for a VfB Stuttgart side that finished outside the Bundesliga top-6 last season. However, the youngster flourished in Germany and was a worthy call up. 

What’s more, it’s reported that Didier Deschamps will place faith in the youth when France take on Australia on Saturday, which should see Pavard start at right-back at Djibril Sidibe’s expense. Only Mario Gomez (7.15) earned a better WhoScored.com rating than Pavard (7.10) of all VfB Stuttgart players in Germany’s top tier last term, with the young French defender excelling at the back. 

He made more interceptions (70) than any other Bundesliga player last season and his good performances haven’t gone unnoticed, with north London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal both linked with a move for Pavard. A strong showing in Russia will do wonders for both his reputation and his fee. 

Previously a midfielder by trade, Pavard isn’t a conventional defender by any stretch and it’s his ability to play the ball to teammates with ease that draws the attention - a fine through ball on his first game for VfB Stuttgart is a prime example for his eye for a defence splitting pass. Meanwhile, his 54.8 passes per game was more than any other VfB Stuttgart player last term, while an 83.7% pass success rate ranked highly at the club. 

While he featured prominently at centre-back in the Bundesliga last season, Pavard still made a handful of starts at right-back and right wing-back, so Deschamps’ likely decision to start him at right-back against Australia isn’t exactly throwing him in at the deep end and hoping he swims rather than sinks. 

His defensive awareness and ball playing ability suits a France side expected to dominate possession this summer and it’s for these reasons, among others, why Tottenham and Arsenal have taken a liking to Pavard. The World Cup could prove to be the perfect stage to showcase just why French football aficionados talk highly of the young defender.