With anticipation building for the Nations League quarterfinal clash against Croatia, Didier Deschamps, the coach of the French national team, is weighing whether to deploy Ousmane Dembélé as a ‘false 9’ in their upcoming match. Dembélé has been in remarkable form this season with Paris Saint-Germain, netting 30 goals across all competitions, and Deschamps has praised his remarkable goal-scoring efficiency.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Deschamps acknowledged Dembélé’s continuing upward trajectory as he gears up for the significant match set in Split on March 20, 2025. "He's in great form, reading the game well. He deserves his success. You used to criticize him for not being clinical — now he is," remarked Deschamps, highlighting Dembélé’s recent performances.
As France prepares for the first leg of the quarterfinal, the coach is cautious about revealing his tactical plans. "Could he play as a number nine? He hasn’t changed, but his efficiency is very high right now. He has always had good finishing ability. Anything is possible. I’m not here to give away info to our opponent. What matters is having the right chemistry and technical balance," Deschamps added, suggesting that while Dembélé's role may shift, his skill set remains invaluable.
Complicating matters is the return of Kylian Mbappé to the squad, who has not played for France since September 2024. His absence was linked to a significant transfer to Real Madrid just prior to missing crucial matches. Now, aiming to make a mark once again, the 26-year-old forward shared his excitement about reconnecting with his teammates. "It’s great to be back. Maybe things seemed unclear from the outside, but internally, everything was always clear," Mbappé stated with evident enthusiasm.
As an integral figure in the 2018 World Cup-winning team, Mbappé's contributions cannot be understated. With 86 caps to his name, he is focused not just on returning to form but on future objectives. "A career isn’t linear. You can be up, you can be down. You need to focus on what makes you happy and get back to work. Would I have done things differently? I would have played better," he reflected, hinting at the challenges faced during his absence from the roster.
Looking ahead, Mbappé's ambitions are set on the 2026 World Cup. "My focus is on the 2026 World Cup," he affirmed. "A tournament of that importance requires full commitment. We want to prepare well and dream of becoming world champions." His determination signals not only his personal goals but also the larger aspirations shared within the team as they gear up for tomorrow’s matchup.
Deschamps, meanwhile, remains optimistic about the firepower in his lineup. He mentioned that with both Mbappé and Dembélé at their peak performance, it could lead to formidable attacking options. "It would be a very good thing if they (Mbappé and Dembélé) keep their efficiency," he remarked, encouraging a sense of unity and teamwork as they face off against Croatia.
With the odds set against them, France has remained steadfast in their pursuit of success, ready to utilize every resource available. As players continue to adapt and evolve, fans can expect to see a vibrant display of talent when they take to the field in Split. The showdown promises not only to showcase the skills of these remarkable players but to potentially set the stage for the next steps in France's football narrative.
