France's Tactical Adjustments Under Didier Deschamps
As France gears up for their crucial clash with the Netherlands, Didier Deschamps faces the challenge of making strategic tweaks to his squad without disrupting the team's core structure. With the formation and the nucleus of the lineup expected to remain steady, Deschamps will need to make thoughtful strategic adjustments, especially concerning the inclusion of veteran substitute Olivier Giroud.
Sticking to the Formation
In France's previous match, Deschamps employed a lineup featuring Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Thuram; Mbappe. This formation provided a solid foundation, making major alterations unlikely. However, subtle adjustments could enhance the team's performance against the formidable Dutch squad.
Olivier Giroud: The Logical Solution
Olivier Giroud, with his extensive experience with the French national team, stands out as an obvious candidate for a straight swap into the starting XI. Although at 37 years old and heading towards Major League Soccer, Giroud may not be the long-term solution for the team's aspirations in Germany, he offers sufficient firepower and experience to assist in the current tight situation. His inclusion could provide the stability and goal-scoring threat France needs in this crucial match.
Marcus Thuram: Central Role Potential
Another option for Deschamps is to position Marcus Thuram as the central attacking figure. This move would involve placing Giroud on the bench and bringing in another player to occupy the wide left position. Currently playing for Inter, Thuram excels as part of a unit rather than a lone frontman. His success in the central role heavily depends on the team's creativity and ability to support him. The main concern here is whether Thuram is clinical enough to shoulder such a significant responsibility.
Bradley Barcola: A Wildcard Element
At just 21 years old, Bradley Barcola represents a youthful and unpredictable option for Deschamps. Following a solid second half of his debut campaign with Paris Saint-Germain, Barcola has shown the ability to create opportunities, which players like Thuram or Giroud would need to capitalize on. Although somewhat raw, Barcola's readiness to step up could throw the Dutch defense off balance. His energy and creativity might provide the X-factor France needs.
Randal Kolo Muani: An Unlikely Alteration
Deploying Randal Kolo Muani would likely necessitate a system change, pairing him with either Thuram or Giroud. While Kolo Muani brings significant work rate and dynamism, he does not offer the same goal threat as an in-form Kylian Mbappe. Considering this, changing Deschamps' established dynamic isn’t ideal, making Kolo Muani more suited for a role off the bench where he could inject energy and pace late in the game.
Kingsley Coman: A Surprising Option
Among the less predictable choices is Kingsley Coman. With inconsistent fitness and infrequent appearances under Deschamps, his inclusion seems less likely. Despite uncertainties surrounding his club future in Germany, Coman was included in the squad. Nevertheless, Deschamps is expected to exhaust other options before considering this route. Coman's pace and dribbling ability could be an asset, but his fitness remains a concern.
Assessing Mbappe's Condition
A crucial factor in Deschamps' decision-making is the fitness of Kylian Mbappe. The star forward 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 critical for finalizing strategies and making game-day decisions. Mbappe's availability could significantly influence the team's chances against the Oranje.
Need for a Plan B
Assuming Mbappe is unable to start, Deschamps will need a robust plan B. This game offers a significant opportunity to secure a spot in the round of 16 with a match to spare, and Deschamps will undoubtedly want to capitalize on this chance. While France's tactical changes might not revolutionize the team, minor adjustments and strategic decisions could make all the difference.
The 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 will be enough to propel France to the pinnacle in Germany remains to be seen, but they could certainly help Deschamps navigate this challenging phase. Through careful planning and tactical acumen, Deschamps aims to guide Les Bleus to another successful campaign.