Scary France: Attacking Potential Still Untapped

France's attacking prowess is becoming increasingly formidable, yet the most unsettling aspect for their World Cup rivals is that Didier Deschamps' star trio has not yet delivered a game where all three forwards perform at their devastating best simultaneously. This suggests their attacking ceiling has not yet been reached.

In the group matches, one member of the attacking unit has consistently been slightly below their usual standards, but another has invariably stepped forward to ensure the attack maintains its potency. Against Norway, Michael Olise was quieter, allowing Ousmane Dembélé to shine with a first-half hat-trick. Previously, against Senegal, Olise was the catalyst while Dembélé struggled. Against Iraq, Dembélé improved, but questions lingered about his best position as Olise and Mbappé formed a more established partnership.

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complete team

This dynamic makes France exceptionally dangerous. Through three group matches, they have scored 10 goals and won comfortably, despite never having Mbappé, Dembélé, and Olise firing on all cylinders together. The potential for when they do synchronize is a significant worry for opposing teams. On paper, their skills complement each other: Mbappé's speed stretches defenses, Dembélé's unpredictability attacks spaces, and Olise provides composure and creativity.

However, France's aggressive attacking strategy inherently creates opportunities for opponents to counter. With fullbacks pushing high and forwards given significant freedom, the central midfielders face immense pressure to cover vast areas and disrupt transitions. This is a risk Deschamps appears willing to accept, prioritizing overwhelming firepower over absolute defensive security. If their leading attackers ever achieve perfect synergy, France could become nearly unstoppable.

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a little scary