In a move that has left fans scratching their heads, France's head coach Didier Deschamps threw young striker Hugo Ekitike into a puzzling position as the 23-year-old juggles his debut season alongside Alexander Isak at Liverpool.

Initially, Ekitike's chances with the French national team appeared slim when he was left off the roster for this month's crucial World Cup qualifiers. However, a last-minute slot opened up following Rayan Cherki's withdrawal, paving the way for Ekitike to join the squad aiming for World Cup glory.

Ekitike's limited participation became evident as he played a mere nine minutes in France's 2-0 victory over Ukraine. His situation worsened during the subsequent match against Iceland, where he was subbed in during stoppage time at the 96th minute—only to see the final whistle blow just moments later.

In an eyebrow-raising twist, Ekitike didn't even manage a touch on the ball during his brief appearance. Social media erupted as fans expressed their disbelief at Deschamps' decision, suggesting the coach was using Ekitike as an example.

One fan remarked bluntly, "Deschamps is not a fan of Ekitike,” highlighting the tension, while another critiqued the manager's tactics, emphasizing, "Why would you bring in a player just to let him sit there for 30 seconds?"

A particularly animated commenter described Ekitike's experience humorously, stating it was akin to jogging on for a handshake at the end of the match. "Imagine telling your friends: 'I played for France today,' only to realize all you did was trot on, hear the whistle, and trot off. It’s a tough way to walk onto the pitch."

Fans were united in their confusion, frustrated that Ekitike was given so little opportunity to leave his mark on the game. "Classic Deschamps, managing the clock down to the last second! It's a bit harsh to let Ekitike only run down the clock without letting him shine," one sympathetic supporter lamented.

Meanwhile, Deschamps defended another player, Adrien Rabiot, who faced jeers from home fans after leaving the pitch. Addressing reporters, he asserted, "It's unacceptable! Every player on the field represents the French national team, and no one should face that kind of disrespect."

Deschamps' decisions continue to stir heated discussions as fans question the methods behind his management, especially concerning a rising star like Ekitike.