Beyond the physical debate, Deschamps moved to dismantle the personality cult that portrays the ex-Paris Saint-Germain star as detached or self-interested. He offered insight into the dynamic between the skipper and the squad's rising stars, insisting that the external "selfish" narrative is completely at odds with the reality inside the dressing room.
"You may like Kylian, you may not, but the younger players adore him," Deschamps revealed.
"You have this image of him as a selfish, individualistic guy, and while a striker certainly has to be selfish too, I can assure you that within the French national team, he acts like a true captain."