Robert Pires believes Karim Benzema deserves a France recall and has backed the Real Madrid striker to be an important player at the 2018 World Cup.
Benzema, 28, was left out of France's Euro 2016 squad because of the alleged extortion of Les Bleus teammate Mathieu Valbuena, and Deschamps has shown no inclination of restoring him yet, something Pires feels would be of benefit.
"I think it's unfair, but [Didier] Deschamps is the boss and we must respect him," Pires told Marca.
"If I were the coach I'd call him up, because he's class. What happened, I think, is that he wanted to teach [Benzema] a lesson while still qualifying for the World Cup.
"I think Benzema can help us a lot in the next World Cup."
Pires also praised Antoine Griezmann, winner of the Golden Boot at Euro 2016, and said the Atletico Madrid forward is close to challenging Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the Ballon d'Or.
"His growth is natural for his ability and his youth," Pires added. "He's one of the best in Europe today, I don't know how it'll go but he's not far from the Ballon d'Or."