2023-10-13 23:17:34
Clearly, the Johan Cruyff Arena inspires Jonathan Clauss. In this gleaming multifunctional enclosure, the left side of the Blues had already felt the wings of pleasure growing on September 21 in the Europa League by opening the score against Ajax (3-3). Particularly scrutinized for his 7th selection, the third in the shoes of a holder, he experiences no delay in lighting.
We rewind. He takes off on the right and recovers the ball in a second step on a one-touch pass from Griezmann, shifted by Coman. His precise cross in front of the goal is completed by the inevitable Mbappé (7th). Beautiful work. Clean and burr-free. A dynamic start-up for the 31-year-old native of Strasbourg.
Legs of fire and a big chest
More than twelve months after his last selection, on September 25 in Denmark (2-0), he shines, carried by fiery legs and a big chest. An accomplice of Kingsley Coman, he never hesitates about his efforts, generously pacing his corridor to contribute to his team’s offensives, while showing concentration when it comes to defending access to his goal.
Taking advantage of Jules Koundé’s defection due to injury, he is supposed to offer a credible alternative to a right-back position, where real specialists are hardly numerous in France. Upon learning of his summons, the former Lensois had, a few days ago, not hidden his satisfaction in front of the Téléfoot camera.
“It’s still a childhood dream, but this time I’m going with more conviction: it’s another Jo’ who is here! I was taking a nap, and when I woke up, the pleasant surprise! “. On the ground, he put his actions in harmony with his words.
Protected in a piston role by Igor Tudor, he was replaced at right back this summer by Marcelino. If Gennaro Gattuso, the new tenant of the Marseille bench, did not want to follow in the footsteps of the Spanish technician in terms of the playing pattern, he, on the other hand, confirmed Clauss in this function with a defensive base with four elements. Despite a slight slump at the end of September, his convincing start to the season earned him a logical comeback with the Blues.
On the rise
Asked about him, Didier Deschamps was unambiguous. “We maintained contact. I can have discussions with the players when they are there, it’s always better face to face. I don’t keep regular contact with all the players, but from the moment they remain on the pre-lists and I consider that they have a role to play, it is especially the follow-up that is important. Even if they are not selected, we continue to evaluate their performance compared to the competition. (…) He has a smile, a smile. He’s not gambling with his life, it’s not a passing exam. I can’t take away this immense disappointment (the absence from the World Cup), but if he’s here today, it’s because he deserves it.”
In his long-distance match with Koundé, Clauss, replaced by Malo Gusto (79th), undeniably ticked boxes against the Batavians by combining defensive technique and a unique ability to make differences offensively, particularly in terms of the last pass. From Marseille to Amsterdam, from one port to another, it has the wind in its sails.
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