France vs Argentina: 3 changes Didier Deschamps should make

#2 Play Thomas Lemar

Thomas Lemar

That player could be Thomas Lemar. The Monaco winger has been excellent over the past two seasons. There is a reason why Lemar has been valued at more than 50 million pounds by one of the most thrifty major European clubs in Atletico Madrid. While Lemar struggled in his first game of the World Cup against Denmark, that was partially due to the lack of dynamism in France’s attack (no Pogba or Mbappe).

Even during that relatively quiet game, Lemar showed his skill- creating two chances with a ridiculous pass success percentage of 94.1%. Lemar’s ability to take on defenders is valuable especially against an Argentine team which still looks fragile at the back.

Moreover, Lemar could interchange positions with Mbappe, Griezmman and Dembele thus causing confusion in Argentina’s defence. Deschamps may not be able to unlock the full attacking potential of the French side but by playing Lemar instead of Giroud, he will at least give himself a chance.

There is certainly an argument that playing Lemar would leave France vulnerable with only two central midfielders. In France’s first game (where Giroud did not start), Deschamps preferred to go with another central midfielder in Corentin Tolisso. However, France do not necessarily need more midfield solidity considering the presence of N’Golo Kante.

The Chelsea player is a machine in centre midfield and has been among France’s best players in the tournament so far, averaging a ridiculous 2.7 tackles and 3.3 interceptions per game. In addition to Kante’s defensive solidity, Pogba provides attacking dynamism from the position (having been key to all three French goals so far).

Kante and Pogba’s ability to boss the midfield means that an additional midfield player is unnecessary. Instead, Deschamps should play Lemar.