World Cup 2018: 5 players who can be France's 4th choice centre-back

#4 Abdou Diallo (Mainz)

The Mainz man is an outside choice to replace Koscielny

One among the new generation of left-footed centre-backs being produced seemingly en-masse by French clubs, the 21-year-old has been a revelation since joining German side SV Mainz from last season's Ligue 1 champions AS Monaco

A tough competitor who is strong in the air and quite intelligent when it comes to making a challenge, his pace is reminiscent of fellow Frenchman Varane's and like most members of the new school of French centre-backs, he is capable of functioning in different roles.

Diallo is a "6'2" guy capable of putting his height and agility to good use in helping the Les Bleus snuff out aerial threats. He is also a very capable scorer of headed goals from set-pieces as he has hit 2 goals in 29 games for the struggling Bundesliga outfit this season.

He would be good cover for the first choice Umtiti in case of injuries but his relative inexperience at this level may count against his selection by manager Deschamps.

He has been the captain of the French U-21 side since last year but is yet to be capped at senior level.