Teenage Stade Rennais FC sensation Eduardo Camavinga, only just 17, was a hit on his debut for the France under-21 side on Friday.
It has been quite a few days for the Angolan-born Camavinga, who became naturalised French along with his parents, his brother and his sister at the beginning of this month, and then celebrated his 17th birthday on November 10. That same day he was called up by coach Sylvain Ripoll into the France under-21 squad for a pair of Euro 2021 qualifiers, stepping in after Arsenal's Matteo Guendouzi was promoted to the senior squad.
Fast forward to Friday and Camavinga was named in the starting line-up as the Espoirs took on Georgia at the Stade Marcel-Picot in Nancy. He played the full 90 minutes as a stoppage-time penalty by Odsonne Edouard – who is close to five years' Camavinga's senior - secured a 3-2 victory that left France with a maximum nine points from three games in qualifying Group 2.
'Emotional'
"Eduardo always made himself available and used the ball really well. We know what talent he has and we know what he can bring to the team," said Ripoll, while Camavinga himself admitted his pride at making his debut following what he called a "crazy week".
"It was very emotional. I saw my parents watching in the stand. I was really proud to wear the jersey and it was great to get the victory as well," he said.
Next up is a trip to Switzerland on Tuesday before returning to action with Rennes in Dijon next weekend.
