Former France international Robert Pires thinks that Dimitri Payet should start ahead of Anthony Martial when the host country kick off Euro 2016 against Romania on Friday.
Earlier this year Manchester United player Martial, 20, had looked likely to earn a starting berth in a three-man attack alongside Arsenal's Olivier Giroud and Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann.
But West Ham playmaker Payet was recalled to the squad in March and impressed against the Netherlands before coming off the bench to score a stunning free kick on his 29th birthday as France beat Russia 4-2.
The former Marseille player netted another breathtaking free kick in the dying seconds as France beat Cameroon 3-2 late last month and he got another chance to impress in the 3-0 win over Scotland last week.
France have scored 13 goals in four friendly matches since Payet returned to the squad and ex-Arsenal attacker Pires believes he now has the edge over Martial.
"Both are very good and totally different," Pires told RMC. "I have a slight preference for Dimitri Payet. In modern football, set pieces are very important.
"With a free kick, Payet can bring you a victory like he did against Cameroon. But I want to stress that the substitutes have a very important role too."
Whoever does play, Pires is confident that France will be able to perform well this month.
But he also believes it is important for Didier Deschamps' side to get off to a winning start in Group A at the Stade de France on Friday.
"This first match is crucial," Pires said. "It starts up your adventure and lifts some pressure.
"Pressure is going to come from supporters and the media. To put all these people in your pocket, you have to win the first match."