Ludovic Ajorque earns France call-up backing after Brest rout Angers

Ludovic Ajorque’s influential display in Brest’s 5-1 victory over Angers has prompted coach Julien Lachuer to argue that the striker deserves consideration for the France squad under Zinedine Zidane.

Ajorque opened the scoring in Saturday’s match and caused persistent problems for the Angers defence. The 32-year-old used his physical strength effectively and also made an important contribution to Brest’s attacking moves throughout the game.

His performance convinced Lachuer to speak publicly about the possibility of an international call-up, with the coach suggesting that Ajorque fits the profile reportedly being sought by France’s manager.

“ I heard that the national team coach wants a player who has a strong presence in the penalty area,” Lachuer told Ligue +1, in comments published by Foot Mercato.

“If he is watching the match on television, I would argue for Ajorque to be called up to France. In any case, he deserves it.”

Lachuer believes Ajorque should set his sights higher, pointing to Esteban Lepaul as an example. Lepaul was recently selected for the France squad and performed well under Zinedine Zidane.

The Brest manager said performances in Ligue 1 can provide a route into the national team and encouraged his players to aim for that level without placing pressure on the coach responsible for selecting the squad.

“We must have ambition,” Lachuer said. “We should not be content simply to play matches for Brest in Ligue 1. We must aspire to compete at the highest level.”

The coach also emphasised Ajorque’s commitment and consistent work away from matchdays. The striker’s record provides further support for Lachuer’s appeal: he has scored 69 goals in 204 Ligue 1 appearances.

That tally, combined with his display against Angers, has strengthened the case for Ajorque to be given an opportunity with France. Lachuer’s comments amount to a public endorsement of the forward’s ability to offer a different option in the penalty area, while also reflecting the manager’s belief that Brest players should continue to pursue the highest ambitions.