Lizarazu warns of Mbappé‑Dembélé problem under Zidane

During the first gathering of the France team under the direction of Zinédine Zidane, the Blues accumulated ten points in four matches, showcasing new ideas of play and a positive spiral, while Bixente Lizarazu, appearing on Sunday on Téléfoot, praised the joy and enthusiasm that prevailed.

Lizarazu's first observations

"First, I saw joy and enthusiasm, it's important to highlight that," Bixente Lizarazu said on Sunday on Téléfoot. His comment underscores the positive atmosphere that prevailed during the first gathering of the France team led by Zinédine Zidane.

The TF1 analyst then opened a crucial file, that of the forwards. "Big winners, I see two," affirmed the 1998 world champion, citing Michael Olise and Désiré Doué as the two players who impressed him the most.

Olise, playing in Munich, and Doué, in Paris, both earned points during these meetings. Lizarazu highlighted their huge potential, both technically and physically.

Zidane chose to implement a 4‑3‑3 system for this group. This formation allows for three forwards, but the duo Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé already creates four potential starters.

The Mbappé‑Dembélé problem then arises: who will occupy the centre‑forward role? Lizarazu believes the debate hinges on Dembélé's performance, who excels in the high press imposed by Zidane.

The Mbappé‑Dembélé dilemma

According to Lizarazu, Dembélé is the best player for a very high press, but as a centre‑forward he must score more, which poses a problem despite his demonstrated qualities at Paris Saint‑Germain.

He adds that Kylian Mbappé, very effective in front of goal, contributes little defensively, hence Zidane's decision to place him on the left and keep Dembélé in the centre. This setup, however, remains provisional.

Lizarazu concludes that the solution is not definitive and the formula remains open. He urges trusting Zidane to find the right combination, emphasizing that managing the centre‑forward position will be one of the major challenges of the upcoming gatherings.