As France gears up for their crucial clash with the Netherlands, head coach Didier Deschamps faces some tactical decisions. While sweeping changes to the starting XI are unlikely, there are a few strategic adjustments worth considering to solidify the team’s performance.
Sticking to the Formation
Deschamps' previous lineup featured Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Thuram; Mbappe. This formation provided a solid foundation and major alterations are not expected.
Olivier Giroud: The Logical Solution
Aberelieving on veteran substitute Olivier Giroud might be a sensible decision. As a seasoned player with extensive experience with the French national team, Giroud stands out as an obvious direct 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.
Marcus Thuram: Central Role Potential
Another option for Deschamps is to place Marcus Thuram as the central attacking figure. This move would place Giroud on the bench and bring 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 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.
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 a strong work rate but may not offer the same goal threat that Mbappe provides. Changing Deschamps' established dynamic isn't ideal, making Kolo Muani more suited for a role off the bench.
Kingsley Coman: A Surprising Option
Perhaps 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 will be 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 determining his availability and finalizing strategies.
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, and Deschamps will undoubtedly 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. The balance between experienced veterans and fresh talents could be the key to overcoming the Dutch challenge and progressing further in the competition.
In conclusion, France’s tactical adjustments under Didier Deschamps are likely to focus on minor but significant changes. The strategic use of Olivier Giroud, Marcus Thuram, Bradley Barcola, and other potential substitutes will shape the team's approach against the Netherlands. The team's success will heavily depend on how these elements coalesce on the field, highlighting Deschamps' ability to read the game and make crucial decisions. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how the French tactician maneuvers his squad in this pivotal encounter.