France national team coach Didier Deschamps has complimented Anthony Martial’s talent, however, he has demanded his player to add a dash of consistency to his performance. Ahead of the international break, the France manager has urged the Manchester United youngster to return to the form he displayed in his debut season at the club. Anthony Martial was the bright spot at Old Trafford last season, however, he has not levelled his own past performances yet under Jose Mourinho.
Anthony Martial played successfully in the central role and also on the flank, indicating his natural ability to adapt. Adding to his versatility, Deschamps has hailed his pace and strength at such a young age. While the coach feels his qualities cannot be ignored, he pick-pointed fatigue, the practice of a different system and lack of consistency as the reasons for him not making the cut into the French starting line-up.
"Anthony started the season very early. He's already played a lot in a system that is slightly different to ours," Deschamps was quoted by Metro.
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"He needs to be more consistent, despite his qualities. He can make the difference in a game because he's a fast and powerful player who can score and assist. At this age, even if he has already proved a lot, he has to go through that stage. He has to maintain a certain level of performance for some weeks, some months.”
Martial who only started one of France's seven matches at Euro 2016, it seems could push himself harder and overcome his state of mind in order to find more regular births in the starting XI. According to Deschamps, if Martial wins his mind over mental fitness, he could get stronger effectively prolonging the reflection of his talent in the long run.
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Deschamps continued, "He's played a lot, he's the one who played the most last season and that's why he was a little unfit at the European Championship. He has a lot of qualities. I've already told him that so he is aware, but he must push himself a little harder sometimes.
"It's his state of mind. He's like that so he needs to battle a little with himself. He needs to get stronger in order to maintain his level on a long run."
Anthony Martial could feature in international action when France play Italy in a football friendly followed by their World Cup qualifying campaign against Belarus.
