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Cape Town - Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala says he is keen to forge a partnership with Real Madrid's Raphael Varane for the France national team.
The 23-year-old, who has three caps for Les Blues, made his senior debut in June 2013 after impressing for the U21's alongside Varane.
And Mangala is hoping to play his way into France boss Didier Deschamps' plans, with Varane and Barcelona new boy Jeremy Mathieu also vying for a starting spot for the upcoming friendlies against Portugal and Armenia.
"I know Rapha well. We played together with the France Under-21 team. We know each other well on the pitch, it's true," said Mangala.
"Now, regarding my position, when you're part of the squad, you have the chance to play regularly.
"But you only get one opportunity to show what you can do to start. But I don't think it's any different for the other players who are part of this group.
"There are those who are more experienced in the French team, who have already learned a lot. But apart from that I don't feel any different."
While Mangala has his eyes firmly set on break into Deschamps' starting line-up, he is experiencing a similar situation at club level after joining the Citizens from FC Porto in the off-season.
He added: "I deserve my place as much as anyone else who is part of this squad.
"All those in the group have the same ambitions. I was already part of this group before. Those who come here and are among the 23 will of course hope to play.
"When I was in Porto I wanted to play. Today I'm at City and it's the same. It's the same for everyone. Everyone has ambition and wants to play."
The 23-year-old, who has three caps for Les Blues, made his senior debut in June 2013 after impressing for the U21's alongside Varane.
And Mangala is hoping to play his way into France boss Didier Deschamps' plans, with Varane and Barcelona new boy Jeremy Mathieu also vying for a starting spot for the upcoming friendlies against Portugal and Armenia.
"I know Rapha well. We played together with the France Under-21 team. We know each other well on the pitch, it's true," said Mangala.
"Now, regarding my position, when you're part of the squad, you have the chance to play regularly.
"But you only get one opportunity to show what you can do to start. But I don't think it's any different for the other players who are part of this group.
"There are those who are more experienced in the French team, who have already learned a lot. But apart from that I don't feel any different."
While Mangala has his eyes firmly set on break into Deschamps' starting line-up, he is experiencing a similar situation at club level after joining the Citizens from FC Porto in the off-season.
He added: "I deserve my place as much as anyone else who is part of this squad.
"All those in the group have the same ambitions. I was already part of this group before. Those who come here and are among the 23 will of course hope to play.
"When I was in Porto I wanted to play. Today I'm at City and it's the same. It's the same for everyone. Everyone has ambition and wants to play."
