France's Tactical Adjustments Under Didier Deschamps
As France gears up for their crucial clash with the Netherlands, significant strategic deliberations are underway. Under the stewardship of Didier Deschamps, sweeping changes to the starting XI are not anticipated, but a few nuanced adjustments could prove pivotal.
Sticking to the Formation
Deschamps' previous lineup—Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Thuram; Mbappe—provided a solid foundation. Major alterations to this formation are not expected, as it has shown to be robust and reliable. However, within this steady framework, minor tweaks might make a significant difference.
Olivier Giroud: The Logical Solution
One of the primary decisions for Deschamps revolves around veteran substitute Olivier Giroud. As a seasoned player with extensive experience with the French national team, Giroud stands out as an obvious choice for a straight swap into the XI. Despite his 37 years of age and impending move to Major League Soccer, Giroud's proficiency and leadership can be instrumental in navigating the current tight situation.
Marcus Thuram: Central Role Potential
Another viable option for Deschamps is positioning Marcus Thuram as the central attacking figure. This would involve moving Giroud to the bench and deploying another player in the wide left position. Thuram, who currently plays for Inter, excels as part of a unit rather than a lone frontman. His potential to thrive centrally will depend on the creativity levels of his teammates. Nevertheless, the primary concern remains whether Thuram can be clinical enough to shoulder such a responsibility.
Bradley Barcola: A Wildcard Element
At just 21 years old, Bradley Barcola could be a fresh addition to the XI following a solid second half of his debut campaign with Paris Saint-Germain. Barcola has demonstrated an ability to create opportunities, which could complement either Thuram or Giroud up front. Although somewhat raw, Barcola's unpredictable style might pose a challenge for the Dutch defense.
Randal Kolo Muani: An Unlikely Alteration
Deploying Randal Kolo Muani would likely necessitate a system change, which might not be ideal at this juncture. Pairing Thuram or Giroud with Kolo Muani would bring additional work rate but potentially compromise the goal threat usually provided by Mbappe. Therefore, Kolo Muani seems better suited for a role off the bench, where his impact can be more effectively managed.
Kingsley Coman: A Surprising Option
Finally, the most unexpected consideration may be Kingsley Coman. Inconsistent fitness and infrequent appearances under Deschamps make his inclusion less predictable. However, despite uncertainties surrounding his club future in Germany, Coman has been rewarded with a squad role. Deschamps will likely exhaust other options before considering this route, but Coman remains a potential game-changer if all else fails.
Assessing Mbappe's Condition
A key factor influencing Deschamps' decisions is the fitness of Kylian Mbappe. Recently, Mbappe 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 to 48 hours will be crucial for determining his availability and finalizing France's strategy. Deschamps may need to have a Plan B ready if Mbappe is unable to start and lead Les Bleus against the Oranje.
Need for a Plan B
Given the high stakes, this game represents a significant opportunity for France to secure a round of 16 spot with a match to spare. Deschamps will undoubtedly want to seize this chance, making it imperative to have a contingency plan if Mbappe is not fit to play. While France's tactical changes might not revolutionize the team, strategic decisions such as judiciously deploying experienced players like Giroud and leveraging the potential of younger talents like Thuram and Barcola could make all the difference.
In conclusion, France's approach under Deschamps is likely to focus on the delicate balance between experience and youthful exuberance. Whether these tweaks are sufficient to propel France to the pinnacle in Germany remains to be seen. Nonetheless, these adjustments could certainly help Deschamps navigate this challenging phase and keep France's hopes alive in the tournament.