A potential 11th for France in 2023
This is a new era to open for the Blues! Now with Euro 2024 in focus, Didier Deschamps could bring new blood to his standard squad. Especially when we know that Hugo Lloris has retired from international football or that Olivier Giroud will be 37 in September 2023. So what starting XI can the French coach choose for this new year?
The typhoid The AC Milan team, as well as the fans in tricolor, are eagerly waiting for Mike Maignan to return to the pitch! He has been out of action since the end of September due to a calf injury. It is still difficult when the 27-year-old goalkeeper will return to the field…
One thing seems certain, he will be the successor of Hugo Lloris in the tricolor cage, after the latter retires from international. Undoubtedly, participation in the next national meeting is not certain. But he will take this place after his return. He established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world with AC Milan.
The Blues still had big problems at the right wing position during the last World Cup. Benjamin Pavard, the regular owner, was quickly fired. And Jules Kounde took his place. The FC Barcelona player, however, was not unanimous. What if Didier Deschamps chose to rely on Pierre Kalulu for the next few meetings?
Without a doubt, he thrives mainly on the axis at AC Milan. He did, however, assist on several occasions at right-back. And the 22-year-old talent has always responded! And it’s also a position he’s developed with the Hopes. Why not give him that chance with the Blues?
He was Hugo Lloris’ vice-captain for a long time. Raphaël Varane could take over the captain’s armband permanently after the tricolor goalkeeper retires from international football. There is competition within the central hinge. However, it’s hard to imagine Didier Deschamps not relying on him in the future.
Indeed, the player of “Manchester United” is still only 29 years old. So he still has a lot of great years ahead of him! He must quickly establish himself as the leader of this rear line.
He was a real rock during the last World Cup! Dayot Upamecano, who was not necessarily expected at this level, was one of the best tricolor elements. The 24-year-old talent seems to have built a good lead over his rivals alongside Raphaël Varane within that central hinge.
However, he will have to keep a close eye on Ibrahima Konate! The latter also pulled out all the stops at the World Cup. Finding continuity at Liverpool, Dayot will be a strong competitor for Upamecano. For now, it’s hard not to prefer him.
He should not leave his place as a left-back for a long time… Already, Theo Hernandez, who scored twice in 13 games for the “Blues”, was very noticeable during the last World Cup. He confirmed that he is indeed one of the best in the world in his position.
The player of “Milan” is only 25 years old. He should continue his rise with the recent Italian champions to please Didier Deschamps! He could very soon be part of this tricolor selection.
The owner of “Real Madrid” Aurelien Tchouameni is also with the blues. He played in all the games of the world championship. He even scored his second goal in the selection against England in the 1/4 finals.
The 22-year-old talent has already become indispensable in Didier Deschamps’ team. Regardless of the return of N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba… He should stay in the starting XI in tricolor for a very long time!
It’s hard to imagine Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante returning in the coming months… So Adrien Rabiot should keep his place in Didier Deschamps’ starting XI! Moreover, after a very high-profile World Cup.
The Juventus midfielder was one of the best elements of the tricolor selection in Qatar. Adrien Rabiot, free of any contract for a few months, has been able to raise his level at the best of times.
It’s well and truly top notch! Ousmane Dembélé, who has been in great form with FC Barcelona, was able to thrive as an owner with the Blues during the World Cup. He had two assists in particular during the contest.
And Didier Deschamps should continue with him in the right lane! He is still very young as he is only 25 years old. However, he expects to be more decisive with his national team! Currently, he has only 4 goals in 35 games for the French national team.
With the Blues jersey on his shoulders, Antoine Griezmann always responds! He was able to demonstrate this once again in an international competition in Qatar. Playing in the middle three, he was impressive and one of the best players in the World Cup.
This is important for Didier Deschamps. Aged 31, he still has a lot to give with the Blues. Especially since it remains versatile!
Of course, Kilian Mbappe will be in this team! And he will be a big star for the Blues. The PSG striker shone at the World Cup with eight goals, including a hat-trick in the final against Argentina. Only 24 years old, he risks breaking many records with the tricolor option.
He already has 66 picks and has 36 goals. He is now the sixth highest goalscorer in the history of the Blues! Leader Olivier Giroud has just 17 more. Kylian Mbappé was therefore able to catch him very quickly, staying within his usual standards.
He is one of the discoveries of the World Cup. Randal Kolo Muani, who came in to replace Christopher Nkunku before the race, knew how to bid his luck. Having scored in the semi-final against Morocco, he sounded the revolt in the final. His inclusion allowed the Blues to return to the match against Argentina.
The 24-year-old striker, who has been in great form at Eintracht Frankfurt, is already handling some big names. He could also take his place at the front of the Blues attack, with Olivier Giroud now 36 and Karim Benzema retired from international football.
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