France’s performance in their Euro 2024 game against the Netherlands left much to be desired, especially in the absence of star player Kylian Mbappe. Despite having numerous chances, France failed to score and ended the match in a goalless draw. This is not the first time France has struggled without Mbappe in the lineup. In fact, they have failed to win any of their past seven games without him, drawing five and losing two. The statistics raise concerns about the team’s ability to perform without their star striker.
Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman may not openly admit it, but he must have been relieved to see Mbappe on the bench. France had previously won both meetings against the Netherlands in qualifying, with Mbappe scoring four goals in those games. Koeman acknowledged that facing France without Mbappe is a different challenge altogether, as he is considered one of the best players in Europe and possibly the world.
France manager Didier Deschamps defended his decision to keep Mbappe on the bench, stating that it was important to consider the player’s well-being. Mbappe had broken his nose in France’s opener and was still recovering. Deschamps believed that taking unnecessary risks could potentially harm both Mbappe and the team. Although it was not a decisive game, Deschamps felt it was wiser to prioritize Mbappe’s health and let him rest.
With Mbappe out, it was Antoine Griezmann’s opportunity to step up. However, Griezmann failed to make a significant impact in the match. He had several promising chances but failed to convert them into goals. Deschamps acknowledged Griezmann’s potential and versatility but also pointed out that his generosity on the field sometimes hinders his decision-making. Griezmann does not have a fixed position on the field and can adapt to different roles depending on the team’s needs.
Despite the concerns in the attacking department, the standout player for France has been N’Golo Kante. The former Chelsea player made a surprise return to the national team after a two-year absence and has been instrumental in France’s performances so far. Kante’s ability to drive the team forward and provide unpredictability in midfield has been crucial. He has been running tirelessly on the field and has shown his dedication to representing his country in such an important competition.
With their place in the knockout stage nearly secured, France still has time to improve and get up to full speed. The absence of Mbappe highlights the team’s reliance on their star player, but it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and showcase their abilities. The performances of Griezmann and Kante, despite their shortcomings, provide some positives for France. However, there is still work to be done to ensure they are a formidable force in the tournament.