UEFA Nations League: 5 takeaways from the first round of games

#2 France have gears to go through

France still has a lot of gears to go through

As world champions, France’s manager Didier Deschamps knows that there is a huge target on their backs. However, he will be heartened by the understanding that his young team still has a lot of gears to go through.

Against Germany in its opening UEFA Nations League clash, Les Bleus were too relaxed. Playing at an almost leisurely pace, France never forced the issue and had to rely on goalkeeper Alphonse Areola to bail it out.

In the second game against the Netherlands, the team upped its tempo and duly dispatched the Oranje by 2-1. Over the course of the two games, Deschamps would have seen how his players generally continued their excellent World Cup form.

There is the feeling that this French team is still playing within itself. Deschamp's conservative tactics (starting Blaise Matuidi and Olivier Giroud) provide balance. Unfortunately, this reduces the attacking verve with fewer chances being created. The sudden increase in tempo and verve after the Dutch equalized shows that the team has much more to give. The speed with which Les Bleus then attacked shows just how devastating they could be when the need arises.