France and Celtic star Odsonne Edouard powerless to prevent shock Les Bleus U-21 defeat

By Euan Davidson

March 26, 2021

Celtic and France U21 superstar Odsonne Edouard could not prevent a shock 1-0 defeat for Les Bleus last night.

In the U21 European Championships, France’s frighteningly talented youth side capitulated to Denmark in their tournament opener. A solitary goal from Dane Anders Dreyer was enough to separate the two sides. Edouard started in the middle of an attacking 4-3-3, but was hauled off after 62 minutes. Nantes youngster Randal Kolo Muani replaced the Celtic man, but couldn’t make a dent on the scoreline, either.

It’s a surprising and frustrating opening to France’s U21 Euro campaign. Boasting an embarrassment of riches, Les Bleus can call upon established European talents. Their squad includes Eduardo Camavinga, Jules Koundé, Mattéo Guendozi and Wesley Fofana, among others.

Koundé alone is a Europa League winner with Sevilla, linked to Barcelona and Manchester United [United in Focus]. Camavinga, who Celtic have played, has been a Rennes regular for a couple of seasons, and it is a potentially generational talent. Fofana and Guendozi, meanwhile, are established Premier League players for Leicester City and Arsenal, respectively.

So Edouard is in elite company. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, it just couldn’t click against an efficient Denmark side. UEFA’s match report said:

“With 15 minutes remaining, half-time substitute Anders Dreyer scored the only goal, latching onto a fine through ball from Jacob Bruun Larsen, the leading assist provider in qualifying, and rounding Alban Lafont. France were left to rue earlier missed chances from Amine Gouiri, who hit the post, and Boubacar Kamara, who curled wide.”

Edouard battles Nartey of Denmark in France’s U21 Euro opener / (Photo by Chris Ricco – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Is speculation getting to Odsonne Edouard?

With Odsonne Edouard continuing to dominate the gossip sheets, it’s entirely possible that speculation is affecting his game. That’s only natural, and it effects even the best players.

Yesterday, we told you that Edouard had been linked to Liverpool. However, it’s unclear as to the validity of rumours that the Reds are targeting former striker Luis Suarez, instead. Links to Arsenal refuse to die, while Juventus, Leicester City and Real Madrid have all been named as suitors in the past.

Given his heroics for Celtic over the last few seasons, scouts will be watching him intently. His strike rate for the France U21s is other-worldly, with 15 in 11 matches [Transfermarkt].

The feeling we have is that Eddy will still have a say for his ridiculously talented U21 side. However, if he’s truly angling for a move, the time to make a mark is now.

READ MORE: 29-cap Belgium man to Celtic? We take a rational look at some speculation.