Steep career advancement
From bottom to top: After his late and celebrated debut for the French national team, Jonathan Clauss was happy about his first experiences with the “Équipe Tricolore”. “Of course, after a week or almost a week of integration, I’m a lot more liberated today, a lot less nervous and stressed,” said Clauss (quoted via “L’Equipe”).
A quick look back at his career: On August 23, 2018, the then second division club Arminia Bielefeld signed Clauss to a one-year contract after a trial session. The then 25-year-old winger had previously played for US Quevilly, who had been relegated from Ligue 2. Two years later, the right-footer joined Ligue 1 promoted RC Lens, speaking of “great satisfaction” after “my unusual career”. Understandable for someone who was still playing in the South Baden Association League in 2015 and who has increased his market value from 1.2 to 12 million euros over the past two years.
Featuring Kolo Muani, Ekitike & Clauss: Biggest Market Value Winners of Ligue 1 (March 2022)
About a year ago, foreign top clubs such as Manchester City and Chelsea FC reportedly advertised for his services. Clauss’ steep rise in his career recently resulted in his first call-up for the French national team – at the age of 29 years and six months the professional celebrated his debut in the 2-1 friendly against Ivory Coast. “I feel like I’ve had one beautiful memory after another for the past few days. My substitution against Ivory Coast will of course be remembered forever, but I can’t compare any other moment to this one because I’ve had so many beautiful moments in the last few days. I want to capture them all,” said former postman Clauss.
Les images inédites après la Victoire des Bleus face à la Côte d’Ivoire (2-1)
→https://t.co/aZWuixqDSl#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/dro2glO8NA
— Equipe de France (@equipedefrance) March 26, 2022
Without the European Cup with RC Lens: Clauss wants to focus on the 2022 World Cup
When did he actually believe that he was actually allowed to play for France? “The answer is very simple: there is a national coach who simply put my name on a list. (…) I work, I play every weekend. I bring one achievement after the other. At some point the coach called me up because he thought I could do it,” said the latecomer and 63rd debutant under Didier Deschamps with a laugh. Clauss will do his best to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar later this year. He is aware that he misses international duels at club level in Lens.
“I have to bring myself to the level that the French national team demands. I do my best, I learn, I understand and I set high standards for myself so that the difference, if there is one, doesn’t stand out,” admitted Clauss. The Strasbourg-born professional has had four goals and nine assists in 31 games for RC Lens this season.
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