Yohan Cabaye 'reborn' at Crystal Palace, says Didier Deschamps
Monday 5 October 2015 21:46, UK
France head coach Didier Deschamps believes Yohan Cabaye has been reborn at Crystal Palace and can still prove influential for his country.
The 29-year-old joined Palace from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, having struggled to hold down a first-team place in the French capital, and has scored three goals in nine appearances.
Cabaye has to compete with the likes of Paul Pogba, Morgan Schneiderlin and Blaise Matuidi for a place in the French midfield, but Deschamps insists playing regular games will keep Cabaye firmly in his thoughts.
"Re-birth is a big word for an international player like him," Deschamps said ahead of two friendlies against Armenia and Denmark this month.
"He did not play often enough with his club, or at least not during the important games. It was frustrating for him.
"We spoke before he made this decision to join Crystal Palace. He chose sports over other things. He is joining a smaller club, with a coach who was very anxious to sign him up, and now he does not need to wonder whether he will play the next game or not.
"It changes many things for him in terms of habits and pace. He also scored penalties and recent games showed he has regained a satisfying level of influence."
Cabaye has 40 caps and three goals for France since his debut in 2010, and is determined to feature in next year's European Championships, which his country hosts.
