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Benjamin Mendy not in starting XI for World Cup final

By James Fudge

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JUNE 10: Benjamin Mendy of France football team player arrives to compete in the 2018 World Cup at Sheremetyevo on June 10, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JUNE 10: Benjamin Mendy of France football team player arrives to compete in the 2018 World Cup at Sheremetyevo on June 10, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images) /
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It has been an indifferent season for Benajmin Mendy, going from a highlight to lowlight as quick as a Manchester City counter attack.

The left-back joined the club for a fee reported to be over £50 million after he starred in Monaco’s triumphant season, winning Ligue 1 and knocking Manchester City out of the Champions League.

The 23-year-old only featured in four games this season before he had ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee against Crystal Palace, and he underwent surgery forcing him to miss most of the season.

The Frenchman became a favourite amongst the Cityzens for his social media posts during his injury lay-off and being vocal and supportive in the dressing room as they went on to win the Premier League title.

He retuned prior to the final games of the season to proves his fitness to France manager Didier Deschamps and warrant his selection in their World Cup.

Only featured once in the World Cup in France’s dire goalless draw against Denmark, Mendy will not start in the final against Croatia as Les Blues look to add another star above their badge.

He would not care if he his standing on the pitch at the end of the game, with a world cup medal around his neck and that golden trophy in his hands. Quite an impressive medal collection so far in his career from the man from Longjumeau, the southern suburbs of Paris.

The man standing in his way is Lucas Hernandez and the Real Madrid defender has been solid in the knockout games, while showing an odd glimpse of theatrical rubbish by throwing himself to the floor under any slight touch.

The squad is unchanged from their starting XI against Belgium, with Blaise Matuidi recovering from an injury in semi-final to retain his place in the final.

Must Read: Predictions for the upcoming Premier League season

All eyes will be on former City target Kylian Mbappe and compatriot Antoine Griezman as they are the key men for Euro 2016 finalists, the ones likely to unlock Croatia’s stubborn defence.

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