Liverpool defender to shine in the World Cup as France looks to retain the crown

0
France at World Cup 2022

Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate joins the French squad as Deschamps looks to win his second World Cup as the France manager.

After an injury return, Konate has slowly gotten back to his form. The improvements were there during the matches. As if he picked things up right where he left them. It didn’t take Didier much time to consider the expertise of Konate. He joins the France World Cup squad as the biggest event in the world of football awaits.

France at FIFA World Cup 2022: Will Konate start for the Champions?

Despite barely avoiding relegation from UEFA Nations League A, France has serious problems going into the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

The 2018 World Cup winners will attempt to retain their championship, but recent setbacks have caused uncertainty to surface. The most recent outcome, a 2-0 loss to Denmark on Sunday during the September international session, had France scratching their heads once more due to previous issues and injury worries.

Ranked 4th by FIFA, there is no doubt Didier has made the necessary changes. It would indeed be foolish to not give the bare minimum of credit to the manager who won the last World Cup. Along with Konate, the Hernandez brothers also joined the French Squad. If Deschamps plays his cards well, the French defense would be very challenging to overcome for most of the teams.

However, the French squad is jam-packed with stars as it has always been. It’s on Didier Deschamps how he wants to formulate the team and the formation. As 5 new rules are being introduced in FIFA World Cup Qatar, Didier will look to take the squad-depth advantage.

France National Team squad at Qatar

France struggled in the jumble of Nations League outcomes, losing three, drawing two, and winning only one.

First and foremost, there was France’s meagre offensive effort, which resulted in only five goals scored over the course of the six games, including just three goals in five losses.

Kylian Mbappe, who had just 28 touches in the first half of France’s loss to Denmark, finished with 51 touches and one major opportunity wasted by full-time, thwarted by Kasper Schmeichel in France’s best chance to escape the shutout. Opposing teams are preparing for Mbappe.

However, this new French squad is full of players with precision and efficiency. Which is arguably the most important element to winning the World Cup. And the addition of Ibrahima Konate might be the icing on the cake.

Konate is a skilled centre defender who can play in either a back four or a back three. He adopts an aggressive stance as he leaves the defence to press or follow an opponent. Given body physic, it is uncommon for an opponent to be able to secure the ball when he pushes them. The French no. 24 does a terrific job of keeping them from rolling him, twisting him, or advancing the play after he closes in on his guy.

Back-to-Back French glory?

At Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, the defending World Cup champions France begin their title defence against Australia. In an effort to avoid the titleholders’ curse, which has recently caused teams like Germany and Spain to lose and go home in the group stage, Didier Deschamps thinks he has put together the perfect starting XI to send Les Bleus deep into the competition.

It is here at last. The most contentious and divisive World Cup in history begins on Sunday, Nov. 20, when Qatar takes on Ecuador. It will all come to a dramatic conclusion at the Lusail Stadium 29 days later.

As for the French National team, there is a lot of talent and potential. It’s just a matter of execution that can hand them the second World Cup in two years. The trusty Lloris in the back along with Konate’s brilliance as well as the Hernandez brothers will obviously serve as a formidable defence line. Then there are the efficient midfield options that come with the likes of Camavinga, Rabiot, Tchouameni, and co. As far as the front three goes, we saw Benzema ballin’. Then there is the speed merchant Mbappe. It will indeed be surprising if we didn’t see Greizmann start.

That being said, Didier Deschamps has many options in his hand to try many things on and off the pitch. To sum it up, France does have the option as and when required to bring home the World Cup again this year.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *