Stade Brestois manager Julien Lachuer has publicly called for striker Ludovic Ajorque to be given an opportunity with the France national team. Lachuer made his plea following Brest’s impressive 5-1 victory over SCO Angers on Saturday, a match where Ajorque played a key role in his team’s dominant performance.
At 32 years old, Ajorque has started the season strongly, having found the back of the net twice so far. Beyond his goal-scoring contributions, the forward is particularly noted for his exceptional ability to bring teammates into play and facilitate attacking moves. This quality, which he demonstrated effectively during the comprehensive win against Angers, is a significant aspect of his game that Lachuer believes makes him a valuable asset for consideration at the international level.
France’s Striking Options
The call for Ajorque comes at a time when France manager Zinédine Zidane has been actively exploring and evaluating options in attack. Zidane recently handed a debut to Stade Rennais forward Esteban Lepaul during the most recent international break, but reports suggest Lepaul struggled to make a significant impact in the central role. With star player Kylian Mbappé often deployed on the left flank and Ousmane Dembélé reportedly facing challenges to consistently convince through the middle, there appears to be a potential opening for a centre-forward who can offer a different, more experienced dimension to the national squad.
Lachuer believes Ajorque fits this profile perfectly, drawing a comparison to a prominent figure in French football. He described Ajorque as a striker “in the mould of a certain Olivier Giroud,” France’s second all-time top scorer. This comparison highlights Ajorque’s potential to act as a strong focal point in attack, capable of holding up play, linking with midfielders, and creating space and chances for his fellow attackers.
Speaking to Ligue 1 Plus post-match, Lachuer was unequivocal in his strong support for his player. “I will campaign for Ludo Ajorque [to get into] the France national team. In any case, he deserves it. You can’t settle for just playing matches for Brest or in Ligue 1. You have to have the ambition to get to the top,” the Brest manager stated, emphasising the ambition he believes Ajorque possesses and the recognition he merits.
Lachuer’s passionate advocacy underscores his firm belief in Ajorque’s current capabilities and his readiness for the international stage. The decision now ultimately rests with Zinédine Zidane as he continues to assess his options for Les Bleus’ attacking line-up ahead of upcoming fixtures.