On November 9, the coach of the France team, Didier Deschamps, will announce his list of players selected to compete in the 2022 World Cup. Before D-Day, discover the major trends that are emerging.
23, 24, 26… A list of how many?
Before even wondering regarding the identity of the players retained by Didier Deschamps, a major question must be resolved: how many elements will the technician lead to Qatar? FIFA has authorized lists of 26, but DD has made no secret since the last Euro that he is not a fan of these expanded lists because of the additional difficulties they generate in terms of human management, with more frustrated substitutes whose moods must be spared. Therefore, the technician might fall back on a list of 23 or even a list of 24 giving a chance to Paul Pogba, meniscus operated in September, to be restored in time for the competition.
The 3 goalkeepers for the 2022 World Cup
A priori, this is the position where there are the fewest uncertainties. The holder Hugo Lloris and his lining Mike Maignan leave with several lengths in advance. The second named is currently injured but must be restored for the World Cup. Alphonse Areola should accompany them even if Steve Mandanda (Rennes) and Alban Lafont (Nantes) remain possible options.
A reinforced defense
A priori, between 8 and 10 defenders will be retained by DD, depending on whether or not he wishes to double all the positions of his defense to five, a formula which has been favored in recent months. In the centre, stalwarts like Raphaël Varane, Presnel Kimpembe, Lucas Hernandez (who should finally be able) and Jules Koundé leave almost certain, just like William Saliba, who keeps scoring points. Benoît Badiashile (AS Monaco), author of a successful debut, Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), who is returning to the club well, and Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), who is returning from injury, might compete for the last place, while Wesley Fofana (Chelsea ) is starting further away due to his injury, which should keep him out of action until early November.
In the right lane, the suspense is almost non-existent and it is Benjamin Pavard and Jonathan Clauss who will compete for a starting place. On the left side, it’s more vague behind Théo Hernandez, but Lucas Digne should accompany him if he is fit. Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid) is ready in case…
The sores in the middle
Between the recurring physical glitches of N’Golo Kanté, the race once morest the clock started by Paul Pogba to be ready for the competition and the emergence of Aurélien Tchouaméni, whom it will be difficult to send back to the bench, the hierarchy does not is not so clear as one might imagine in the middle. One thing is certain: Adrien Rabiot is back in force and should be part of the trip. In the absence of a package in this sector, the last place might well be played between Mattéo Guendouzi and Youssouf Fofana (AS Monaco), who scored points during the last rally. Jordan Veretout (OM), Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid) and Bouabacar Kamara (Aston Villa), probably out for the tournament, seem to be starting a little further.
Giroud, the big question in attack
Regarding the offensive sector, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappé and Karim Benzema are untouchable, as is Kingsley Coman, absent from the last meeting but who has just played once more. A priori, in a configuration with 23, there would remain two places to take. Despite the thunderous awakening of Wissam Ben Yedder with Monaco (5 goals scored in 2 games), Olivier Giroud, never disappointing in Blue, once more pleaded his cause effectively during the last rally and DD will have difficulty justifying his absence. The last place is likely to be played between Ousmane Dembélé, who has a string of matches with FC Barcelona and who has a not so widespread dribbler and striking profile, and Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig), Griezmann’s perfect understudy on paper. The other “Germans” Randal Kolo Muani (Frankfurt) and Moussa Diaby (Leverkusen) should only invite themselves in the event of a list of 26.
The probable list of Didier Deschamps at 24
Guardians (3): Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Alphonse Areola (West Ham).
Defenders (10): Raphaël Varane (Manchester United), Presnel Kimpembe (PSG), Lucas Hernandez (Bayern Munich), Jules Koundé (FC Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Benoît Badiashile (AS Monaco), Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), Jonathan Clauss ( Olympique de Marseille), Théo Hernandez (AC Milan), Lucas Digne (Aston Villa).
Backgrounds (5): N’Golo Kanté (Chelsea), Paul Pogba (Juventus Turin), Mattéo Guendouzi (Olympique de Marseille), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus Turin), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid).
Forwards (6): Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (AC Milan), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Ousmane Dembélé (FC Barcelona).