France's Tactical Adjustments Under Didier Deschamps
As France gears up for their crucial clash with the Netherlands, Didier Deschamps is unlikely to make sweeping changes to his starting XI. The formation and core of the team should remain steady, but there are a few strategic adjustments worth considering, primarily revolving around veteran substitute Olivier Giroud.
Sticking to the Formation
Deschamps' previous lineup featured Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Thuram; Mbappe. This formation has provided a solid foundation, leading to the expectation that major alterations will not occur. The strength and familiarity of this lineup are crucial factors as France heads into an important match.
Olivier Giroud: The Logical Solution
Giroud, a seasoned player with extensive experience with the French national team, stands out as an obvious straight swap into the starting XI. Despite being 37 years old and Major League Soccer-bound, Giroud may not be able to carry the team to glory alone in Germany. However, he offers enough to assist in the current tight situation, demonstrating both reliability and experience that can be pivotal in crucial moments.
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 another player to occupy the wide-left position. Thuram, currently playing for Inter, isn't a natural lone frontman but excels as part of a unit. His potential to thrive centrally will depend on the team's creativity levels. The main concern is whether Thuram is clinical enough to shoulder such responsibility, particularly in high-stakes matches.
Bradley Barcola: A Wildcard Element
At just 21 years old, Bradley Barcola could also enter the starting 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, which either Thuram or Giroud would need to capitalize on. Although he may be 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 Thuram or Giroud with Kolo Muani would bring work rate but not the same goal threat that Mbappe offers. Such a change isn't ideal for Deschamps' established dynamic, making Kolo Muani more suited for a role off the bench rather than a spot in the starting XI.
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 has been rewarded with a squad role. Deschamps is likely to exhaust other options before going this route, considering Coman as a last resort.
Assessing Mbappe's Condition
A key factor is the fitness of Kylian Mbappe. He has been training 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 finalizing strategies and assessing his availability. Deschamps might need a plan B if Mbappe is unable to start and lead Les Bleus against the Oranje. This game remains a significant opportunity to secure a round of 16 spot with a match to spare, and Deschamps will be eager to seize this chance.
Need for a Plan B
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.
The blend of seasoned veterans and promising young players, along with the crucial decisions Deschamps must make, sets the stage for an intriguing and vital encounter with the Netherlands. France’s campaign hinges on these fine margins and tactical nuances, which could ultimately determine their success in the forthcoming fixtures.