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It has rarely been straightforward for neutral fans to fully support Adrien Rabiot, whose on-field dependability has frequently been overshadowed by a frustrating tendency to annoy coaches, clubs, and even team-mates as much as rivals.

However, if France are to make history by reaching a third consecutive World Cup final and reclaim the trophy from Argentina, Didier Deschamps will need his much-debated midfield anchor to continue his relentless pursuit of silencing critics.

Rabiot delivered a superb assist during France’s 3-1 victory over Senegal in their World Cup opener, a reminder of his growing influence in the national setup.

It has been quite a journey for Rabiot, who once emailed Deschamps eight years ago refusing to be placed on the standby list for the 2018 World Cup, a tournament France went on to win. Shortly afterwards, he found himself released by Paris Saint-Germain following a dispute prominently involving his mother and agent, Veronique.

His move to Juventus marked a turning point. Under Andrea Pirlo, then head coach of the Italian side, Rabiot matured into what Pirlo described as a “complete” midfielder — one capable of combining technical finesse with physical strength. Such praise carried weight coming from a player celebrated for his artistry but not his athleticism.

Over time, Rabiot worked his way back into the French national team and by the Qatar 2022 World Cup was a vital part of Deschamps’ midfield. Although illness forced him to miss the semi-final victory over Morocco, his contributions throughout the campaign were significant.

Now, Rabiot stands as one of Deschamps’ trusted lieutenants — a disciplined player willing to handle the hard work that allows France’s stars to shine. He also appears to be more valued by his current teammates than in previous squads, unlike in the past when tensions, including a training ground altercation with former Marseille teammate Jonathan Rowe, led to both being sold last year.

“A guy with incredible resilience,” Kylian Mbappe said of Rabiot before the tournament began. “No matter what’s said about him or what happens, he’s always there. He’s faced storms and challenges, and when you look at his career, his CV speaks for itself.”

What Rabiot still lacks, however, is a World Cup winner’s medal. And if Mbappe is to secure his second, he knows that the steady presence behind him in midfield will be crucial.

Perhaps not as vital against Iraq in Philadelphia on Monday night, but from the group stage finale against Norway on Friday and into the knockout rounds, Rabiot’s importance to this French side — a team that embodies true fraternité beyond its attacking quartet — will become clearer.

Deschamps, often criticised for vague tactical philosophies, has always valued equilibrium in his teams. With such a star-studded attack, the burden on Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni to provide stability and structure has grown even greater.

“With Aurelien, we need to maintain this balance,” Rabiot explained before the tournament. “The coach doesn’t restrict us, but in this system, we have to find the right adjustments alongside the four key attackers who can change the game.”

Early performances suggest that balance is taking shape. Rabiot’s pinpoint pass to Bradley Barcola for France’s second goal against Senegal was among the most impressive assists of the tournament, and he quietly managed a large share of the defensive workload against a mobile opponent capable of unsettling many teams.

There is a certain grace to Rabiot’s game that is often underestimated, perhaps because of his reputation as a hard worker — an image amplified by his role beside some of football’s most dazzling talents.

His remarkable endurance may sometimes obscure the technical excellence he brings. In a side where at least one attack-minded star has been criticised for his limited defensive effort, Rabiot’s unrelenting work rate becomes all the more essential.

Deschamps knows he can rely on Rabiot — to keep running, keep fighting, and keep striving — even if his place in the team continues to divide opinion.