They have been sweeping the two corridors of the field efficiently for three years now.
Arrived in the French team on tiptoe, the two defenders of Bayern Munich, Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez, both aged 25, have become essential in the Blues.
This Wednesday in front of Bosnia, the first will undoubtedly celebrate his 33rd cape and the second his 24th for this 3rd qualifying match at the 2022 World Cup. A beautiful blue story that started only a few months before the 2018 World Cup in Russia, in November 2017 for Pavard then in March 2018 for Hernandez.
“Participating in the World Cup was not an objective, but we said to ourselves that there was a place to take, that it would be great to be at least in the list of 30 (23 selected plus 7 substitutes ) ”, Remembers Joseph Mohan, agent and friend of Benjamin Pavard.
"Spain wanted to select him, but for him there was only the France team," continues Laurence Py, the mother of Lucas Hernandez.
This team means everything to him.
He loves being in the selection with teammates they consider a bunch of friends.
"
To everyone's surprise, the two full-backs become holders during the World Cup, one in place of Djibril Sidibé (on the right) and the other of Benjamin Mendy (on the left).
Choices that pay off.
During the tournament, both players bring defensive strength and a certain offensive going.
Benjamin Pavard even scored the best goal of the World Cup in the round of 16 with his exceptional half-volley against Argentina (to equalize at 2-2) following a cross from… Lucas Hernandez.
A goal that earned him sudden notoriety in France.
“He's a champion who keeps his feet on the ground,” says Joseph Mohan.
He is aware that anything can go very quickly as soon as you relax.
He was a crack at 10 years old then he struggled at 15-16 years old.
At 18, René Girard called him to the Lille pennant team, then he hardly played with Frédéric Antonetti any more.
Benjamin is a hard worker passionate about his sport.
"
Together at Bayern
"From the start and until the end of my career in the selection, I will give everything, for his part assured Lucas Hernandez at a press conference last week.
For me, it is a pride and an honor to be here.
At first, a lot of people didn't know me, but I worked to get this place.
Today, I have a place in the starting XI, but there are so many great players here that you can change at any time.
"
Friends since their passage in Espoirs, Pavard and Hernandez arrive at the same time at Bayern Munich, a year and a half ago.
Together, they won the German Championship and Cup, the Champions League, the Super Cup and the Club World Cup where Pavard scored the only goal in the final (1-0 against the Mexicans of Tigres).
“Both are greatly appreciated at Bayern for their involvement and their work, insists Patrick Guillou, BeIN Sports consultant for the Bundesliga.
Benjamin was a little worse at the end of 2020, but he has regained his level since January (it is the French who has played the most for a year and a half at Bayern) and Lucas has been playing a little less lately. (4 starts in the Bundesliga since January 1), but he will come back.
"
Among the Blues, the two full-backs each have a status, even if Lucas Hernandez has to face a big competition on the left with in particular Lucas Digne.
Since his first cape, Pavard has missed only one meeting in September 2020. Beyond the services, the coach appreciates their temperament and their state of mind.
In the squad, Hernandez is adored by his teammates as is Pavard, who is often with the older ones.
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The two friends are now aiming for the Euro, the only title missing from their incredible record.
“Both are essential in the France team.
There are not too many players behind who come to their ankles apart from Theo, Lucas's brother, author of a big season at AC Milan, believes Manuel Amoros, the former side (right or left) international (82 caps) and consultant for RMC Sport.
Both players are first and foremost defenders, but they also bring on the offensive side in any tactical scheme.
Benjamin is technically good and has a high level of experience.
Lucas has a foolproof mind with this desire not to pretend and always to win.
Any coach would like to have such players on his team.
"
