Leny Yoro Praised on Debut For Zinedine Zidane’s France vs Belgium

· GiveMeSport

Manchester United defender Leny Yoro earned plaudits for his display in France's 4-1 win over Belgium.

Leny Yoro made his senior debut for France in their 4-1 UEFA Nations League win over Belgium and the Manchester United defender made quite the impression.

The 20-year-old earned a late call from Zinedine Zidane at the start of the ongoing international break but hadn't appeared in his nation's previous two UEFA Nations League games. He came into the starting lineup tonight after Liverpool 's Jeremy Jacquet pulled out due to a knock.

It proved to be a memorable night for Yoro as Les Bleus claimed an emphatic comeback win after Benfica winger Dodi Lukebakio had put Belgium in front. Paris Saint-Germain's Desire Doue equalised before Manchester City's Rayan Cherki's strike and a Michael Olise brace ensured Zidane remains unbeaten since succeeding Didier Deschamps as manager.

Yoro has yet to win over Michael Carrick at club level and remains behind Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez in the pecking order. But his lack of consistent game time didn't prevent him from earning his first senior cap and he put in an impressive display.

The former LOSC Lille centre-back started alongside Chelsea's Maxence Lacroix and looked like he'd been playing on the main stage of international football for years. He showcased his defensive abilities, winning all four of his ground duels and all five of his aerial duels.

Yoro also won three of four tackles and even going forward made an impact, making one key pass, and completing 51 of 56 passes in Belgium's half. It was the type of performance that could go a long way in earning him more game time for his country moving forward.

You can watch Yoro's highlights below:

Yoro didn't only impress French fans but also United supporters who have reaffirmed their support of the young centre-back. They have spoken highly of the Saint-Maurice-born talent.

That included one fan one who wrote: "Leny Yoro comp is going to hit so hard.. what a performance."

Another posted a video of Yoro delivering a long ball and added: "Leny Yoro already spraying long balls like nothing…"

One fan applauded him: "Leny Yoro is having some game. Wow."

Another agreed: "Leny Yoro I am standing up and applauding, I’m retweeting this comp ASAP."

One United fan made his feelings clear: "Benching Leny Yoro for a 34 year old Harry Maguire is a sackable offense and enough proof that Michael Carrick knows nothing."

Another wrote: "Leny Yoro has not only been France's best defender vs Belgium, he's also been their best player. 56/62 passes completed, 6/9 long balls completed, 4 tackles, 4 clearances (all headed), 1 interception, 2 recoveries, 4/4 ground duels, 3/3 aerial duels. An immense display so far."

Yoro has been at United since the summer of 2024, joining from Lille where he'd been viewed as one of French football's most exciting youngsters. He has still yet to become a starter at Old Trafford but with Maguire now in the latter stages of his career, he is surely about to take the veteran Englishman's place sooner rather than later.

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