France's Tactical Adjustments Under Didier Deschamps
As France gears up for their crucial clash with the Netherlands, head coach Didier Deschamps is unlikely to make sweeping changes to his starting XI. The formation and core of the team are expected to remain steady, though a few strategic adjustments are worth considering.
One of the primary decisions revolves around veteran substitute Olivier Giroud. At 37 years old and set to join Major League Soccer, Giroud's extensive experience with the national team makes him an obvious candidate for a starting role. While he may not be expected to carry the entire team to glory in Germany, he can certainly assist in the current tight situation.
Sticking to the Formation
Deschamps' previous lineup featured Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot; Dembélé, Griezmann, Thuram; Mbappé. This formation provided a solid foundation, and major alterations are not expected. However, some key considerations need to be made regarding player deployment.
Olivier Giroud: The Logical Solution
Giroud stands out as an obvious straight swap into the XI. His extensive experience and ability to perform under pressure can be invaluable for the team. Although Giroud may not be the future of French football, his current form and experience provide enough to assist in the present circumstances.
Marcus Thuram: Central Role Potential
Another option for Deschamps is to place Marcus Thuram as the central attacking figure. This move would see Giroud move to the bench, with another player occupying the wide left position. Thuram, currently playing for Inter, isn’t a natural lone frontman and excels as part of a unit. His potential to thrive centrally depends on the team's creativity levels, and the main concern is whether Thuram is clinical enough to shoulder such a 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 Mbappé on the left, Barcola has shown an ability to create opportunities, which either Thuram or Giroud will 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 Thuram or Giroud with Kolo Muani would bring work rate but not the same goal threat Mbappé offers. Changing 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. Deschamps is likely to exhaust other options before considering this route.
Assessing Mbappé's Condition
A key factor is the fitness of Kylian Mbappé. 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. Deschamps might need a Plan B if Mbappé 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 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.