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 are expected to remain steady, though several strategic adjustments are worth paying attention to.
One of the primary decisions revolves around veteran substitute Olivier Giroud, considering whether his inclusion could provide the necessary boost for the upcoming match.
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, and major alterations are not expected heading into the match against the Netherlands.
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. At 37 years old and soon to join Major League Soccer, Giroud may not be the one to carry the entire team to glory in Germany. However, he offers enough to assist in the current tight situation and could play a crucial role in this match.
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. Thuram, currently playing for Inter, isn't a natural lone frontman but excels as part of a unit. His ability to thrive centrally depends on the team's creativity levels. However, 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 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. Despite being 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. 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 Mbappe's Condition
A key factor 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 finalizing strategies and playing potential mind games.
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 remains a significant opportunity to secure a Round of 16 spot with a match to spare - a chance Deschamps will be eager to seize.
While France's tactical changes might not revolutionize the team, 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.