Deschamps

And to crown his development, Doue was called up by France coach Didier Deschamps, overtaking two other players regarded as potential members of the new generation, Lyon forward Rayan Cherki and Maghnes Akliouche from Monaco.

In France, the general view is that Doue's form left Deschamps with no option.

There are rough edges to be smoothed out on the teenager, who drew the ire of France coach Didier Deschamps when he turned up late for his first day with the national squad at their Clairefontaine base before making his debut against Croatia.

The Didier Deschamps blueprint for international knockout football - a cagey defensive mid-block and low-volume, safety-first attacks - remains in-vogue, and despite his lofty aims, Tuchel could be drawn in, not least because he's done it once before - and it sparked his greatest achievement to date.

His poor form in Spain even cost him a place in the France squad as Didier Deschamps omitted the national team captain from four Nations League fixtures in October and November last year.