Deschamps praises versatile Nasri

France boss Didier Deschamps has hailed recalled midfielder Samir Nasri for his versatility ahead of their clash with Belgium on Wednesday.

Deschamps’ men head into the clash at the King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels having lost to both Uruguay and Brazil in June.

Manchester City man Nasri has not played for France for over a year, and Deschamps is confident his return will be a big boost to the squad.

“His football skills can be useful to the French national team as they are to his team, Manchester City,” Deschamps said.

“He’s able to play from different positions. He’s not exactly a midfielder. He can play on the right, on the left, in the hole (behind a striker).”

Nasri is pleased to make his comeback, and insists he does not mind where he is selected to play.

“I make myself available for the manager,” Nasri said.

“If he wants me to play on the right, I’m fine; on the left, I’m fine too; in the hole, I’m fine; on the bench, I’m fine too.

“I was away for a year. Now I’m ready to enjoy things. I’m back with a low profile, I’ve got nothing to claim and I’ll do what I’m told to. I owe him a lot. And that’s it, I’m here to enjoy these moments.”

France sit second in their FIFA World Cup qualifying group, one point adrift of World and European champions Spain – who won 1-0 at the Stade de France in March.

They face another tough test against a Belgium side that has yet to lose a game in qualification, before travelling to face Group I rivals Georgia next month.

Deschamps is keen for his team to bounce back from their disappointing showings in South America, but knows it will be difficult to secure their place at the World Cup.

“The objective is to qualify for the World Cup,” Deschamps added.

“We are in the mix even though the defeat against Spain has not left us in the best situation.

“The context of our South American tour was special. We must be able to do better.”