Anthony Modeste has made an explosive start to his Bundesliga career with Cologne and is now eyeing a place in the French national team ahead of Euro 2016.
The 27-year-old striker, who joined Cologne from Hoffenheim this summer, has already scored three goals in four league matches, adding to a hat-trick in the first round of the German Cup. His early-season form, coupled with two league assists, has put him among the most in-form forwards in Germany.
Modeste, born in Cannes and of Martiniquais descent, believes his performances could catch the attention of France coach Didier Deschamps.
> “I want to seize my chance in Cologne to show everyone what I’m capable of,” he told German weekly *Sport Bild*. “If I score a lot of goals, it won’t escape the national coach. Playing for France and taking part in Euro 2016 would be a dream.”
The former Bordeaux forward has been playing in Germany since 2013 and scored 23 goals over two seasons at Hoffenheim. He says Cologne’s profile, particularly in the German media, gives him an even better platform to impress.
> “If you’re successful and your club is doing well, you attract attention. And in Cologne, the media presence is greater than at Hoffenheim,” Modeste added.
Cologne currently sit eighth in the Bundesliga with seven points from their opening four matches. However, they are coming off a heavy 6-2 defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt and will look to bounce back when they host Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday. Gladbach have endured a disastrous start to the campaign, losing all four matches so far.
Modeste’s form has been one of the key positives for coach Peter Stöger, with the Frenchman’s physical presence, aerial ability and clinical finishing already making him a fan favourite at the RheinEnergieStadion.
If his scoring run continues, Modeste could add his name to the growing list of Ligue 1 alumni making an impact abroad — and perhaps force Deschamps to consider him as an attacking option for next summer’s home European Championship.
