As France gears up for their crucial clash with the Netherlands, Didier Deschamps faces a strategic conundrum. Despite a solid foundation, Deschamps is unlikely to make sweeping changes to his starting XI. The formation and core of the team will remain steadfast, but several key adjustments warrant consideration. The primary focus lies on veteran substitute Olivier Giroud and a few other tactical tweaks.
Sticking to the Formation
Deschamps' previous lineup against Ireland featured Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Thuram; Mbappe. This formation provided a robust foundation, and major alterations are not expected. The consistency in formation ensures a stable performance, allowing the team to hone their strategies without the disruption of new formations.
Olivier Giroud: The Logical Solution
Giroud, a seasoned player with extensive experience with the French national team, stands out as a straightforward swap into the XI. At 37 years old and Major League Soccer-bound, Giroud may not have the stamina to carry the team to glory in Germany alone, but he offers enough to assist in the current tight situation. His presence can provide crucial stability and an experienced attacking option.
Marcus Thuram: Central Role Potential
Another option for Deschamps is to place Marcus Thuram as the central attacking figure, moving Giroud to the bench, and bringing in another player to occupy the wide left position. Currently playing for Inter Milan, Thuram isn't a natural lone frontman but excels as part of a unit. His potential to thrive centrally depends heavily on the team's creativity levels. The main concern is whether Thuram is clinical enough to shoulder such significant responsibility and deliver in crucial moments.
Bradley Barcola: A Wildcard Element
At just 21 years old, Bradley Barcola presents an intriguing alternative following a solid second half of his debut campaign with Paris Saint-Germain. Alternating with Mbappe on the left, Barcola has shown an ability to create opportunities, which either Thuram or Giroud would need to capitalize on. Although somewhat raw, Barcola is ready to step up and could be an unpredictable element that the Dutch may struggle to handle. His youthful exuberance and creativity could inject fresh dynamism into the French attack.
Randal Kolo Muani: An Unlikely Alteration
Deploying Randal Kolo Muani would likely necessitate a system change. Pairing him with either Thuram or Giroud would add work rate but not the same goal threat that Mbappe offers. Altering Deschamps' established dynamic could be counterproductive, making Kolo Muani more suited for a role off the bench, where his energy and pace could be leveraged in the latter stages of the match.
Kingsley Coman: A Surprising Option
Kingsley Coman remains an unexpected choice due to his inconsistent fitness and infrequent appearances under Deschamps. Despite uncertainties surrounding his club future in Germany, Coman has been included in the squad. While he offers excellent pace and dribbling skills, Deschamps is likely to exhaust other options before considering this route. Coman's inclusion would be a bold move, banking on his ability to change the game with flashes of brilliance.
Assessing Mbappe's Condition
A key factor in Deschamps' plan is the fitness of Kylian Mbappe. The star forward trained with a wrap on his nose and spent part of the session apart from his teammates, raising concerns about his availability. The next 24-48 hours will be crucial for assessing his recovery and finalizing strategies. If Mbappe is unable to start, Deschamps will need a robust plan B to lead Les Bleus against the Oranje. This game represents a significant opportunity to secure a round of 16 spot with a match to spare, driving the urgency to have Mbappe fit and ready.
Need for a Plan B
Deschamps must have a contingency plan in case Mbappe cannot start. The minor adjustments and strategic decisions, steering clear of major overhauls, could make all the difference. The focus will be on judiciously deploying experienced players like Giroud while leveraging the potential of younger talents such as Thuram and Barcola.
Whether these tweaks will be enough to propel France to the pinnacle remains to be seen. However, they could certainly help Deschamps navigate this challenging phase and maintain France’s competitive edge.