Florian Thauvin hopes his impressive form for Olympique de Marseille may help him fulfill his dream of playing for France.
Thauvin struck twice in OM's 3-0 defeat of Angers SCO on Friday, taking the exciting forward's goal tally into double figures for the first time, and making it three goals and two assists in his last two league outings.
The on-song 24-year-old played alongside the likes of Paul Pogba, Lucas Digne and Alphonse Areola in winning the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 2013.
With former OM boss and current France coach Didier Deschamps to announce his squad for Les Bleus' upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier with Luxembourg and friendly with Spain later this month, Thauvin hopes to make the jump to the senior ranks his former team-mates have already successfully completed.
"It's a dream, and I work for that," said Thauvin, who has ten Under-21 caps to his name. "I would like to have the possibility to go there one day. I know it's difficult and there are a lot of people in contention. I'll have to do a lot every week to go there. I work and I wait. I'm patient."
After a quick U-turn at LOSC Lille in summer 2013 and an unhappy spell at English club Newcastle United in the first half of last season, Thauvin has been able to flourish in his second stint at the Stade Vélodrome.
"It's my most complete season," said Thauvin, who came to prominence at SC Bastia.
"I have more assurance in my play. I lose fewer balls stupidly. I have gained in maturity. I have worked on that on video. I have taken a step up in that area."