France Defender Mamadou Sakho Praised for Leadership Role in Norway Win
France centre-back Mamadou Sakho has been praised for his leadership qualities after captaining Les Bleus in their 4–0 victory over Norway in a World Cup warm-up match.
With regular skipper Hugo Lloris absent for the friendly, Sakho was handed the armband by manager Didier Deschamps—and according to teammates, the Liverpool defender rose to the occasion with composure and authority.
Speaking after the match, right-back Mathieu Debuchy highlighted Sakho’s influence both on and off the pitch.
“He was natural, as usual,” Debuchy said. “He doesn’t speak a lot, but when he does, it’s meaningful and at the right moment. On the pitch during the game, he talked more, led us well, and was a very good captain.”
Sakho, 24, who began his international career in 2010, has often been noted for his strong presence in the French back line. His performance in the Norway match, combined with his quiet but effective leadership, seems to have strengthened his position as one of the key figures in the French squad heading into the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Les Bleus will continue their preparations with a second friendly against Paraguay in Nice on Sunday.
