As France prepares for their crucial clash with the Netherlands, Didier Deschamps faces the delicate task of balancing consistency with strategic adjustments. While sweeping changes to the starting XI are unlikely, there are several tactical tweaks worth considering that could prove pivotal.
Sticking to the Formation
Deschamps' previous lineup featured Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Thuram; Mbappe, providing a solid foundation. Major alterations to this formation are not expected, as it has shown to be a robust setup capable of supporting both defensive solidity and attacking flexibility.
Olivier Giroud: The Logical Solution
At 37 years old and bound for Major League Soccer, Olivier Giroud remains a seasoned player with extensive experience with the French national team. His inclusion as a straight swap into the starting XI is an obvious choice. Though he may not carry the entire team to glory in Germany, Giroud offers enough to assist in the current tight situation.
Marcus Thuram: Central Role Potential
One 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. Thuram, who currently plays for Inter, isn't a natural lone frontman and excels as part of a unit. His potential to thrive centrally hinges on the team's creativity levels. The main concern is whether Thuram is clinical enough to shoulder such responsibility.
Bradley Barcola: A Wildcard Element
At just 21 years old, Bradley Barcola could also enter the XI 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 that 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.
Randal Kolo Muani: An Unlikely Alteration
Deploying Randal Kolo Muani would likely necessitate a system change. Pairing him with either Thuram or Giroud would bring work rate, but not the same goal threat as Mbappe offers. Altering Deschamps' established dynamic isn't ideal, making Kolo Muani more suited for a role off the bench.
Kingsley Coman: A Surprising Option
The most unexpected player to consider may be Kingsley Coman. Inconsistent fitness and infrequent appearances under Deschamps make his inclusion less predictable. Despite uncertainties surrounding his club future in Germany, Coman was rewarded with a squad role. However, Deschamps is likely to exhaust other options before considering this route.
Assessing Mbappe's Condition
A key factor in the match against the Netherlands is the fitness of Kylian Mbappe. He trained with a wrap on his nose and spent part of the session apart from his teammates while medical staff assessed his recovery. The next 24-48 hours will be crucial for mind games and finalizing strategies.
Need for a Plan B
Deschamps might need a Plan B if Mbappe is unable to start and lead Les Bleus against the Oranje. This game represents a significant opportunity to secure a round of 16 spot with a match to spare, and Deschamps will want to seize this chance. While France's tactical changes might not revolutionize the team, the minor adjustments and strategic decisions could make all the difference.
The primary focus will be on judiciously deploying experienced players like Giroud and leveraging the potential of younger talents such as Thuram and Barcola. Whether these tweaks are enough to propel France to the pinnacle in Germany remains to be seen, but they could certainly help Deschamps navigate this challenging phase.