Didier Deschamps has named his France squad for matches against Austria and Denmark, with Youssouf Fofana, Benoît Badiashile and Alban Lafont the Ligue 1 Uber Eats players called up for the first time.
They are joined by Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappé as well as Olympique de Marseille trio Mattéo Guendouzi, Jordan Veretout and Jonathan Clauss. Randal Kolo Muani, who left FC Nantes for Eintracht Frankfurt this summer, also makes a maiden appearance.
Ligue1.com takes a closer look at the French-based new boys…
Youssouf Fofana
Age: 23
Club: AS Monaco
Position: Central midfielder
Mohamed Camara has been winning praise since joining Monaco from Red Bull Salzburg this summer, replacing Aurélien Tchouaméni, who left in a €100 million move to Real Madrid. It turns out playing next to Youssouf Fofana makes you look good.
A box-to-box midfielder who is also happy to anchor play, Fofana is an asset on both sides of the ball. Over the last year he has averaged nearly three tackles won per game for the principality side, but also two shot-creating actions per 90 minutes played.
With N'Golo Kanté and Paul Pogba injured, Fofana now has his chance to shine at full international level.
Benoît Badiashile
Age: 21
Club: AS Monaco
Position: Centre-back
Watch: Badiashile heads home against Lyon
Back-stopping Fofana's Monaco side is Benoît Badiashile, a hulking left-footed centre-back who has also contributed two goals to les Monégasques' cause in the current Ligue 1 Uber Eats campaign.
Injuries to Presnel Kimbembe and Lucas Hernandez may have cleared the path for him, but considering Aymeric Laporte couldn't get a call-up before changing his international allegiance to Spain, Badiashile is clearly held in high regard.
"Benoît's part of the France under-21s and he's having a very good start to the season," said Deschamps. "He's a specialist in the position."
Alban Lafont
Age: 23
Club: FC Nantes
Position: Goalkeeper
Last but by no means least is Alban Lafont, who has been called up to replace No.1 goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
One of the most promising young shot-stoppers in world football, calls for Lafont to be recognised at full international level grew louder after he made seven saves - including a Neymar Jr. penalty stop - against Mbappé's PSG when Nantes shocked the champions 3-1 in February.
Lafont has 36 youth international caps with les Bleus, and while he may still have to be patient to pull in front of Mike Maignan and Alphonse Areola, it is surely only a matter of time before he's the No.1 himself.
