The return of the French league is here! With the first international window now over, Ligue 1 gets back underway this weekend, with the Rouge et Blanc hosting Toulouse at the Stade Louis-II this Saturday (8:45pm). But before turning our full attention to that fixture, let’s look back at the highlights of an international break that saw eight Monaco players called up. Recap! 🔙

Goals galore ⚽

And to say that several of them stood out would be an understatement, with Vanderson scoring his first goal for Brazil with a superb volley against Australia. Speaking of stunning goals, Aleksandr Golovin’s free-kick for Russia was just as impressive, having already opened the scoring against Iran. The attacking midfielder therefore scored twice, matching Paris Brunner, who had also netted two goals for Germany U21 in Latvia on his debut a few days earlier.

Several qualifications secured ✅

August and September MVP for Monaco, the young striker continued his scintillating form by playing a key role in helping his side qualify for next summer’s European Under-21 Championship. The competition will also feature France U21, with Christian Mawissa starting three of the Bleuets’ last four qualifying matches. At the level below, Ilies Belmokhtar, who provided two assists, and newly-pro Safouane Benzahra, who registered one assist in four matches, will also take part in the U20 Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco after finishing second in their qualifying group.

A successful debut for Sadibou Sané 🇸🇳

In Africa, this international break also gave Sadibou Sané the opportunity to make his Senegal debut. Starting twice alongside Lamine Camara at the start of the qualifying campaign for the next Africa Cup of Nations, the centre-back put in some impressive performances, helping the Lions of Teranga move into first place ahead of their next fixtures in November. Things are more complicated for Lukáš Hradecký and Finland, who, despite keeping a clean sheet and saving a penalty across three appearances, sit third in their League C group in the UEFA Nations League. There was less success too for Jules Stawiecki, who was beaten twice with France U20 in his first appearances at this level.

Valuable experience for the Academy youngsters 👶

As for the players from the Diagonale, 16 of them were called up, with all of them getting playing time and gaining valuable experience. Among them were Wassim Guerchi and Najd Ajroud, who made their international debuts for Tunisia U20 and France U19 respectively. Meanwhile, Ekene Chukwuani particularly impressed with Denmark U18, scoring in successive matches against Croatia and Saudi Arabia, while Matthias Wamu, representing Belgium U19, started both of his side’s victories against Northern Ireland and England. Well done to everyone! 👏

More info about

See also