Bernard Diomède, coach of the French U19 national team, was invited by L’Equipe to participate in a discussion on the best position for Désiré Doué, the 20-year-old midfielder/forward for Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team. He provided a clear answer for this versatile player.
“Where do I need him most?”
“This question takes me back to our first meeting. I told him: ‘Désiré, before we start coaching, I need to know what kind of player you are, what kind of person you are.’ And he replied in two sentences: ‘I like Neymar and I play wherever the coach needs me to play.’ From that point on, I quickly understood that he could play in any position.
The key for Désiré won’t be him, but the coach. He’s the one who will have to answer this question: ‘Where do I need him most?'” When I see him, he reminds me of Youri (Djorkaeff) in that ability, in the center, to be decisive and win you matches. He’s neither a number 9 nor a number 10; he’s that free-roaming player, capable of making the difference.
That’s an interesting answer, far removed from the idea that a player absolutely needs a “better position.” Above all, the thinking can start from the other direction: in what position do I need this player? When he’s as complete as Doué, it’s a great way to strengthen the team. The Parisian number 14 has the athletic, technical, and tactical qualities to adapt to many positions or situations.
Therefore, we shouldn’t confine him to a single role, nor limit the team by having Doué absolutely need to be in one place. There’s the possibility of adapting to his teammates, as well as to the opponent. That’s convenient, as coach Luis Enrique likes to think that way. It remains to be seen how he’ll be used with the French national team, as well as with a future club coach. But for now, both he and PSG must take advantage of all the available options.
