Michael Olise can do better, Eduardo Camavinga radiant… The Blues barometer at the time of Didier Deschamps’ tests

After the tricolor success (4-1), Thursday evening, in the League of Nations, some trends are emerging even if the weak adversity offered by Israel does not allow us to draw any major lessons.

For the Blues, it’s time for the League of Nations. They logically dominated the Israeli selection (4-1), Thursday October 10. Although the meeting counted for an official competition, Didier Deschamps was the first to talk about “transitional phase”. The 2026 World Cup in North America begins in one year and eight months. After a disappointing Euro, especially in the production of his team, the coach is forced to change at least one cog in his machine now that Antoine Griezmann has left the ship.

Places are up for grabs in the starting lineup. Some players currently seem unstoppable: goalkeeper Mike Maignan, the entire defensive line (Koundé-Upamecano-Saliba-Hernandez), Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouameni, who gained ground in this gathering by inheriting the captain’s armband acting. At least three places are to be taken between the midfield and the attack, unless Didier Deschamps finally decides to completely review his tactical system. If the victory against Israel is not enough to solidify a new hierarchy, it gave some clues for the continuation of the French adventure.

He disappointed: Michael Olise

On Thursday, the coach did not really change his initial plan, keeping the idea of ​​a system with three attackers, two defensive midfielders and another supposed to be the link between the two sectors. Michael Olise was chosen to start in this role, previously assigned to Antoine Griezmann. Athletic, dribbling and fast, the neo-international (3 caps) does not have the same profile as his predecessor but the level of his passing game was more than sufficient to shine against opposition as weak as Israel. After all, it was in his role that he burst onto the screen during the Olympics this summer.

The test was ultimately inconclusive. The sentence is not irrevocable, but the London native lost far too many balls (8 missed passes and none leading to a shot) and showed himself incapable of making the same differences as with Bayern Munich (1 dribble successful out of 6 attempted). He was replaced in the 70th minute. The score then read 2-1. It was without him that the Blues killed the suspense, by accelerating in the last five minutes of regulation time. Nothing says he won’t get a second chance in this role. Perhaps he will also be tested in a winger role, which he knows better.

They stood out: Eduardo Camavinga and Christopher Nkunku

One scored the first goal, the other scored the second (on a pass from the first), but their impact goes beyond the stat sheet. Especially in the case of Eduardo Camavinga, who energized the play of the France team. Systematically barred by competition in midfield until now, he took his chance to send a message to Didier Deschamps on Thursday evening. A priori, the usual holders Aurélien Tchouameni and N’Golo Kanté have no reason to be dismissed. But if the idea of ​​a return to a three-way environment gains ground, the Madrilenian is already a candidate. His ability to play forward speaks for him.

As for Christopher Nkunku, it is still too early to imagine him taking a permanent place in the starting lineup. But the Chelsea player, finally recovered from his physical problems, is an option that Deschamps has had in mind since at least 2022. Comfortable in the area and on the outskirts, he can play in all positions in the offensive sector. “He shows juice and freshness. On the left, he did good things and also in support of Kolo Muani in the second half. It’s very good for him. He has significant potential. With all his injuries, he was slowed down and I’m very happy for him that he scored this goal.”greeted the coach, usually reluctant to talk about the individual performances of his protégés.

They responded: the entrants Guendouzi, Fofana and Barcola

Didier Deschamps did not shy away from his pleasure at the TF1 microphone when discussing the contribution of his replacements, who were particularly incisive at the end of the match. “It was never really our strong point”he admitted. Thursday, the entries of Mattéo Guendouzi, Bradley Barcola (both scorers) as well as Youssouf Fofana made it possible to finally make the break. “In the little time I have, I always try to bring the best of myself for the team and it worked very well tonight”welcomed Guendouzi in the mixed zone.

Before considering being a starter, the latter, not selected for the Euro, knows that he will above all have to continue to fight not to leave the list. N’Golo Kanté, Aurélien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Youssouf Fofana all have a head start on him. On the other hand, Barcola remains in the race for possible starting status in attack. Kylian Mbappé is installed. Behind, nothing is fixed. Bradley Barcola has his chance, but he will have to fight with Randal Kolo Muani, Ousmane Dembélé, Christopher Nkunku, Michael Olise and even Marcus Thuram to change his status.