France's Tactical Adjustments Under Didier Deschamps
As France gears up for their crucial clash with the Netherlands, Didier Deschamps faces the challenge of maintaining a balanced and effective team while making minor tactical adjustments. Despite the pressure to perform, Deschamps is unlikely to make sweeping changes to his starting XI, preferring to stick with the formation and core of the team that has proven successful in the past. However, some strategic adjustments are worth considering, particularly concerning veteran substitute Olivier Giroud.
Sticking to the Formation
In their previous lineup, Deschamps featured the following players: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Thuram; Mbappe. This formation provided a solid foundation, and major alterations are not expected. The consistency in formation has been key to France's performance, and Deschamps seems inclined to preserve this stability.
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 XI. At 37 years old and Major League Soccer-bound, Giroud may not carry the entire team to glory in Germany, but he offers enough to assist in the current tight situation. His experience and ability to find the back of the net in crucial moments make him a valuable asset for Deschamps to rely on.
Marcus Thuram: Central Role Potential
Another option for Deschamps is to place Marcus Thuram as the central attacking figure. This move would involve shifting 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 and excels as part of a unit. His potential to thrive centrally depends on the team's creativity levels, and the main concern here 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 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. His youthful energy and potential could inject a fresh dynamic into the team.
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 Mbappe offers. Changing Deschamps' established dynamic isn't ideal, making Kolo Muani more suited for a role off the bench. His versatility and ability to make an impact in the later stages of the game could be valuable, but starting him may disrupt the team's rhythm.
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. However, Coman's pace and skill on the ball could be a game-changer if Deschamps decides to take a risk.
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 mind games and finalizing strategies. Deschamps must carefully monitor Mbappe's condition to ensure he can be effective on the field. If Mbappe isn't fully fit, it could significantly impact France's attacking prowess.
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. Deschamps will want to seize this chance by having contingency plans in place. 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.