Which squad is better?
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In the goalkeeping department, there is no issue with the squad that Deschamps has picked as Hugo Lloris is easily the best keeper they have and he is sure to start for them in goal. Steve Mandanda will be a reliable number 2. However, Deschamps could have picked young Areola instead of Costil as the third choice keeper as it would have been a great learning curve for the youngster.
When it comes to defence, one cannot help but feel sorry for France. They are without some of their best defenders due to reasons beyond their control and there is no doubt that the French defence is not the best possible one.
In midfield, the reason behind the exclusion of the player not featuring in Euros is the quality of the players in the side. It is very difficult for the ones not in the squad to get picked ahead of the likes of Pogba, Matuidi, Kante, Payet, Cabaye and Schneiderlin. However, the inclusion of Sissoko is questionable as he didn’t have a great season with relegated Newcastle.
There is no doubt that France have left out some of their best forwards for the tournament. Benzema, Gameiro, Ben Arfa and Lacazette have had much better seasons than Giroud. They have also plied their trade in a Europe as opposed to Gignac who plays in Mexico. The inclusion of young Coman instead of Dembele is also a matter that divides opinion. However, the two players who have earned their place in the final squad are Griezmann and Martial.
The squad that’s not playing in Euro looks the better one in defence and attack, while the one that is featuring in Euro looks better in midfield and between the posts. What this highlights is the quality of players France possesses and the incredible depth they have. We are probably looking at France’s golden generation.
