Zidane Defends Dembele as Olise Shines in France’s 4-1 Win Over Belgium

France head coach Zinedine Zidane has defended Ousmane Dembele after the winger's quiet game in the 4-1 Nations League win over Belgium at the Stade de France.

Dembele wore the captain's armband because Kylian Mbappe is out to focus on his recovery. The 29-year-old played on the right and was often the player his teammates looked to for a spark, but he had no goal or assist in his 60 minutes. Zidane would not join the criticism. 

"I found Dembele very good, especially at the start of the match and at the start of the second half. He was very dynamic. No problem on that side," he said.

Michael Olise replaced Dembele in the 60th minute and made an instant difference, scoring a late brace. Rayan Cherki also added the creativity France had been missing, and a late burst of goals sealed the win. Zidane said taking off his captain was no comment on his quality or effort. 

"We're used to seeing him play all over the place and he's good in every position. I'm satisfied with what he did, he was our captain who was exemplary with all his teammates. I'm happy," Zidane added.

The result was Zidane's first home win since he took charge, though the Cherki and Olise partnership took much of the attention. It also puts France top of Nations League Group 1 with ten points.

The group will be settled in the next international break in November. France first travel to Italy, then return home to host Turkiye.