The last friendly match of the French team against Northern Ireland (3-1) on Monday provided some lessons on Didier Deschamps’ choices in defense, particularly for the full-backs and the hierarchy behind the two holders in the center.
Didier Deschamps repeated it Monday evening, he has probably had in mind, for a few days already, the eleven-type who will start the World Cup on June 16 against Senegal. But the last friendly match, won against Northern Ireland (3-1), could indicate that everything is not completely set in stone.
Malo Gusto convinced, Théo Hernandez too
In defense, especially at the right-back position, Malo Gusto made a convincing start on Monday, with a lot of dynamism. In the coach’s mind, Jules Koundé remains a starter, but the Barça defender is not in resplendent form either. Koundé offers solid guarantees in defense, which is valuable for Deschamps especially if the Blues discover themselves and leave spaces with their very offensive system. His replacement at half-time is still part of DD’s desire to give Malo Gusto playing time and make him a credible option on the right side of the defense.
At the left-back position, Théo Hernandez, on the other hand, scored points. The Al-Hilal player showed his legs on Monday evening, and displayed a good connection with Désiré Doué in front of him. The coach appreciates his speed, his volume of play and his ability to remain strong in duels. He starts with a real head start over Lucas Digne and this was not necessarily obvious before the friendly matches.
Lacroix n°3 in the axis?
Another lesson, even a little novelty. The first central defender to come on at half-time on Monday, when William Saliba’s playing time had to be managed, was Maxence Lacroix. Author of a big season with Crystal Palace, and in line with his interesting and revealing March tour, Lacroix – who feels at ease both on the right axis and on the left axis – becomes for Deschamps a real alternative, during the match, to replace a holder in the central hinge. Notably Saliba, whose state of form will remain under surveillance at the start of the competition and with the sequence of matches.
Didier Deschamps has one week to sort out these final details and refine his final choices. France have conceded at least one goal in each of their last five matches. His worst series since December 2022. Deschamps knows that his system with an offensive quartet requires a rehearsed defense and sharp players.
