Zidane hands Diouf a new role for France: ‘I enjoy playing in my normal position’
MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 08: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid is challenged by Andy Diouf of Internazionale during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 08, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Andy Diouf is fast becoming a utility player for France and Inter, as Zinedine Zidane had the midfielder playing in an entirely new position against Belgium in the Nations League on Monday evening: ‘I enjoy playing in my normal position, but I’m enjoying this as well’.
Diouf plays at left-back for France: ‘The most important thing is being on the pitch’
Diouf joined Inter from RC Lens as a central midfielder last summer, but found it difficult to break into the Nerazzurri first-team ahead of the likes of Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Petar Sucic, Piotr Zielinski and Henrikh Mkhitaryan last term.
He has found more consistent playing time under Cristian Chivu in the early stages of the 2026-27 season, albeit at right wing-back in a 3-5-2. Still, the Frenchman’s form in this position earned him his first call-up to the France national team squad earlier this month.
Diouf was handed his international debut by Zidane in France’s 1-0 win away against Belgium on Monday evening and lined up in an entirely new position on the night: At left-back in a back four (4-3-3).
Diouf had an opportunity to discuss his new status as a utility man during his post-match talk with the media in the mixed zone, telling reporters that he is enjoying himself even if he would rather play in his natural position in central midfield.
“With Inter as well, I’m playing in a position that isn’t my most natural, but as I’ve said, the most important thing at the moment is being on the pitch,” said Diouf.
“It’s true that I enjoy playing in my normal position, but I’m enjoying this as well.”
There were several Serie A players in the France line-up on Monday evening, including Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, Juventus’s Pierre Kalulu at right-back and Como’s Lucas Da Cunha in central midfield. Adrien Rabiot and Jean Butez were named among the substitutes.
« En Bleus comme à l’Inter je suis dans une position qui n’est pas forcément la mienne. Le plus important c’est d’être sur le terrain et d’aider l’équipe.
Je prends plus de plaisir quand je joue à mon poste mais j’en prends aussi (à gauche »
Andy Diouf #BELFRA pic.twitter.com/U0Ao5HeKtl
— Ilies Peeters (@IliesPeeters) September 28, 2026
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