Juventus and France midfielder Adrien Rabiot believes he was ‘lucky’ to stay in Turin and feels he can replace Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante at the World Cup.

The France international is expected to be a regular starter for Les Blues in Qatar with both Pogba and Kante out of action due to injuries.

“I will give my best, as I do with Juventus, without thinking about the World Cup much. I feel that I’m at my best, mentally and physically,” the ex-PSG midfielder told La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

“I am a player that gives balance, linking attack and defence and keeping the correct position and tactical approach to understand the game and adapt to different situations, reacting to my teammates’ movements.

“The World Cup is a dream I hadn’t fulfilled four years ago in Russia and I am enjoying it now, thinking about my memories as a kid, such as Zidane’s great return in 2006. I supported France in every match, what a pity the Final with Italy was…”

The defending title holders won’t have a chance to meet the Azzurri this time as Roberto Mancini’s men failed to qualify for Qatar 2022 eight months after becoming European champions.

“It would have been better with Italy, the elimination is inexplicable,” said Rabiot, who has become one of Max Allegri’s untouchables at Juventus.

The Bianconeri won the last six Serie A games, climbing to third place, 10 points behind leaders Napoli.

“It was our target and I am sure that from January we will have a fair chance to battle it out for the title also thanks to Chiesa and Pogba’s returns,” claimed Rabiot.

“I’ve never had doubts we’d fight for the title. The start was not easy because of injuries, but we wanted to be back in the top three before the break to challenge Napoli in January. Their first part of the season was incredible. They will lose some points and we must make the most of it. Ten points seem a lot, but the season is long.

“We can aim for the Scudetto, it’s a pity to have stopped now because we have created the right environment and enthusiasm.”

Rabiot has probably been Juventus’ best midfielder this term, thanks to his five goals and two assists in 16 appearances across all competitions. The France midfielder gives credit to Alegri for his development in Turin.

“He is a great coach who does not only focus on targets, which remain essential for Juventus. He is very pedagogical with youths in training, also when they make mistakes and the results are evident, everyone has improved. We’ve taken the right path.

“I’ve learned a lot also with Sarri, but these two seasons with Allegri have helped me improve. This season I am studying many videos with one of his assistants, Paolo Bianco. I also need it in the national team even if we have a different style here.”

Rabiot snubbed a move to Manchester United last summer, but his contract at the Allianz Stadium expires in June, so his future at the club remains up in the air.

“It’s true, there were contacts with Premier League clubs, but in the end, I was lucky to stay, perhaps it was the best decision,” he said.

“The Premier League is the most followed league, but I don’t think about the future. I am focused on the World Cup. The club and I are in no hurry, there’s serenity so we can consider all options.”

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