In attack, Deschamps has an attractive plan B – BBC Sport

In the absence of Karim Benzema and Mathieu Valbuena, mired in the case of the sextape, Didier Deschamps is not helpless on the offensive. Four players are emancipating particular.

Aurélien Billot and Vincent Duchesne

The Blues are d ‘attack. Even without Karim Benzema, always non-selectable, and Mathieu Valbuena, collateral victim. The shadow of the absent in no way altered the performance of the forward line in the Netherlands (3-2) and even last November against Germany (2-0). On the eve of facing Russia at the Stade de France, the elements of Plan B have the meeting.

Antoine Griezmann, the new leader

“J ‘ hope it will not be me the third out (the team), “had he launched into a smile during the week at Clairefontaine. No chance given the importance taken by Antoine Griezmann (25) in the Blues. Much appreciated the Group- “a charming little man” , says Christophe Jallet, “a train that end always smiling” , according to Olivier Giroud – Mâconnais s’ says increasingly as a major player. The new technical leader of the Blues.

“ I have not yet made top match Blue” had he admitted, lucid from the first day of the gathering. An assertion that has no place to be after his successful performance in the Netherlands. In just 45 minutes, the Spaniard has fully pressed the Oranje. Managing to transcribe selection in this level of performance every weekend interview with Atletico where he became unavoidable after chugging debut. With highlight a masterful free kick. His 7 ^th international goal. “ I’m trying to get closer to the player I am at Atletico. We have to continue like that. And I will succeed. “ Versatile and efficient, the new kid in the 2014 World Cup has everything to become the offensive taulier long sought to Euro 2016.

Olivier Giroud, Caliph instead caliph?

Do not talk to Karim Benzema, it irritates. Between the Spaniard and the Gunner, it was never mad love. Nor field, nor out. In the shadow since his international debut in 2011, Olivier Giroud delights in the light afforded by the sidelining of the former Lyon. “I have the opportunity to express myself more, to garner trust. It helps me to develop myself in the team “, has he recognized Saturday at Clairefontaine, just hours after scoring his 14th goal in blue in the Netherlands (2-3) the fourth in four games.

the Savoyard, freed from the burden of comparison with his younger, more inherently gifted, offers variety in the French game. His physical profile (1,92m, 92 kg) complete with those fire-o’Griezmann and Martial. At Arsenal, he lost his place after a long drought early in the year. At the Blues However, Giroud won everything. If the absence of Benzema extends it endorse the role of leader of attack during Euro. A golden opportunity to overcome yet. And finally win as number one.

Anthony Martial, Golden Boy

It is the future of the Blues. Just as the Bavarians Kingsley Coman (19). If the two men never cease to leapfrog, Anthony Martial (20 years), however, has a head start in the hierarchy of offensive players. Mirobolant his transfer to Manchester United last summer (50 million + 30 million euros of bonus depending on performance) could burn her wings. It has only accelerated her career. Boosted by the intransigence of Louis van Gaal Manchester, Martial conquered England. The old continent with the title of Golden Boy 2015 award for the best player under 21 in Europe. And Didier Deschamps with three consecutive starts for the end of 2015.

If it has not yet released its counter selection, his space-eating characteristics have allowed him to report himself with 4 assists in 7 appearances. One Friday against the Netherlands. “It brings speed, percussion, it’s interesting. He set the volume to make efforts to evolve on the same side if it happens to also play in the center , said Deschamps this week. It has good scope for growth “. And a maturity that commands admiration.

Dimitri Payet, the ghost

We thought the striped of the list, more or less quarreled with Didier Deschamps. Dimitri Payet has yet made a thundering return to Amsterdam. “With the coach we discussed. We had to be told things , said the islanders, attractive conductor of the Blues on Friday. It acted as a click on my way to play. “ For when his involvement rises to the height of his talent, Payet is a leading player. Able in particular to make West Ham club’s soft underbelly in the Premier League, an applicant for the Champions League this season (5th).

Quasi unknown on the international stage before crossing the Channel last summer, the former Marseille (16 selections), transformed by demanding Marcelo Bielsa, has changed dimension. The point of having been voted best player of the year in London before the stars of Arsenal and Chelsea. “I’m in the best time of my career,” he assured. Soon 29 years, he’s ripe to play a major role in a major competition. Especially if Mathieu Valbuena, undermined by the impact of the case of “sextape” and failed integration in Lyon, do not hang up the right car.