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Australia defender Thomas Deng is relishing the opportunity to take on the likes of Kylian Mbappe in the 2022 World Cup, joking that he wishes he could match the forward stride for stride.
Deng is currently playing in Japan’s second division for Albirex Niigata, with the centre-back recently helping his side clinch the title.
He is one of nine defenders to have been named in Graham Arnold’s 2022 World Cup squad. Australia narrowly secured a place in the tournament after an inter-confederation play-off penalty shootout victory over Peru.
Australia defender excited to face global stars
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Australia face a huge challenge in Qatar. Their first game is against defending champions France, followed by meetings with Tunisia and Denmark.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Deng is looking forward to taking on some of the best players on the planet. When asked if he could match Mbappe on the pitch, Deng joked: “I wish I had his pace.
“We always dream of playing against these guys, watching the Champions League and watching the European leagues.
“You know, always wondering how it would be to come up against them and to have the opportunity now, I’m just excited to see what will happen.”
France heading to Qatar with mixed emotions
As ever, France are among the favourites to lift the World Cup trophy. Many are backing South Americans Brazil to win the competition, with France regarded as second favourite.
The backing comes despite a poor UEFA Nations League campaign for Didier Deschamps’ side. They finished third in League A Group 1, winning just one of their six matches.
They lost three times and drew twice, with their only win coming at home to Austria. Two of France’s losses came home and away to Denmark, a nation they will meet again in the 2022 World Cup.
Along with the worrying form, France boss Deschamps has been handed several injury problems ahead of the tournament. Key midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante will both miss the competition through injury.
And earlier this week, PSG defender Presnel Kimpembe withdrew from the squad due to injury. He has been replaced by uncapped Monaco defender Axel Disasi.
Australia forward not fearing France
Deng’s Australia teammate Mitchell Duke meanwhile says an upset could be on the cards in Qatar. The striker is also playing his club football in Japan, currently lining out for Fagiano Okayama.
Duke isn’t fearing anyone in Group D, and believes the Socceroos can get a result against the defending champions.
“I’m a true blue Aussie,” said Duke. “I feel like the Aussie mentality is that not-back-down mentality. That we can beat anyone on our day and not to be scared.
“It doesn’t matter who they are. They’re 11 players against 11 players and that’s the mentality I think we got to have and not get star-struck.
“Obviously we know some of the names in that France national team, but at the end of the day they’re human.
“It’s 11 v 11 and that Aussie mentality, that Aussie spirit… I reckon we can do a job.”
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