French depth makes the Blues a key pair against Belgium
In the locker room of the King Baudouin Stadium, eyes meet between the Belgian players and the Blues ‘bis’ who are waiting for their chance. The atmosphere, both tense and hopeful, reflects the belief that French depth could overturn the Red Devils.
A Misplaced Arrogance
When looking at France’s eleven, we had the arrogance to think that it was now or never for the Red Devils to win. That certainty proved naïve, as it ignored the depth of the French talent pool. Depending on current form, potential or intrinsic quality, the answer varies, but the idea remains that the Blues ‘bis’ would be numerous among the starters.
The richness of the French reservoir means that eight or nine players who are not regular starters for the national team could be starters against Belgium, either unquestionably or potentially. This situation highlights the superiority of the French bench, to the detriment of Belgian pride.
The French Bench Overflows with Talent
Mike Maignan, thanks to his performances for the Blues, clearly surpasses the Belgian goalkeeper Lammens, even though the latter was one of the two starters retained after the match in Turkey. In defense, the Lacroix‑Jacquet hinge, now at Chelsea and Liverpool, makes it difficult to promote Nathan Ngoy.
Andy Diouf, left‑back of Inter Milan, would probably be preferred over Joaquin Seys, even though the battle remains tight. The current Castagne does not hold up in comparison with Pierre Kalulu in the long term.
In midfield, Roméo Lavia, spotted this Monday, could carve out a place in the French ‘bis’ eleven, while Youri Tielemans would not necessarily be favored against a substitute Eduardo Camavinga in the French team, himself a Real Madrid player. Lucas Da Cunha, little known, was astonishing at moments that same Monday.
Up front, favoring Mika Godts over his club rival Bradley Barcola seems realistic, but Désiré Doué’s crazy match leaves little doubt on the other side. A true number 9 like Esteban Lepaul, even average this Monday, remains more suitable than De Ketelaere, who has shown his limits.
Finally, Akliouche, very strong at the King Baudouin Stadium, would not replace Kevin De Bruyne, but it is more out of respect for his service periods than his current level. Thus, French depth shows that many Blues ‘bis’ would be starters against Belgium, reminding that revenge will not be taken immediately.