Karim Benzema's absence could be blessing in disguise for France

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
More
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Karim Benzema's absence could be blessing in disguise for France
Giroud and Mbappe will now be vital for France at the World Cup
Giroud and Mbappe will now be vital for France at the World CupReuters
Karim Benzema's (34) last-minute withdrawal was labelled as a blow by everyone in the French squad but could actually be a blessing in disguise as Kylian Mbappe (23) is now expected to be paired with his favoured attacking partner in Olivier Giroud (36).

Mbappe and Benzema have brilliantly combined at times but the Paris St Germain striker has said that Giroud's style of play probably suited him better.

The AC Milan forward's lone striker position offers Mbappe a perfect support in or near the area whereas he and Benzema might have taken up each other's space.

Both are likely to start together in the defending champion's Group D opener against Australia on Tuesday, with Ousmane Dembele (25) adding his speed and Antoine Griezmann (31) his tempo-controlling skills.

"With France, I've got more freedom than with my club, the coach knows that he has a number nine like Olivier who weighs on the defence," Mbappe said in September, when Giroud was recalled in the absence of the injured Benzema.

"So it gives me space to ask for the ball."

When France beat Austria 2-0 in the Nations League and Mbappe was full of praise for Giroud.

"He was higher up on the pitch, we could combine the three of us (with Griezmann) without being cut off from the rest of the team," Mbappe said.

Giroud, who is two goals shy of Thierry Henry's all-time France scoring record of 51, could not agree more.

"I'm a target man. In my career, I've played with players who like my style because they can use me. It's something that Kylian likes, it's a bonus for him," Giroud said last week.

Benzema was ruled out of the tournament on Saturday with a thigh injury.

He was not replaced in the 25-man squad by coach Didier Deschamps.

21+ | COMPETENT REGULATOR EEEP | RISK OF ADDICTION & LOSS OF PROPERTY | KETHEA HELPLINE: 210 9237777 | PLAY RESPONSIBLY & SAFELY |

France gouvernement

Les jeux d’argent et de hasard peuvent être dangereux : pertes d’argent, conflits familiaux, addiction…

Retrouvez nos conseils sur joueurs-info-service.fr (09-74-75-13-13, appel non surtaxé)

Do you want to withdraw your consent to display betting ads?
Yes, change settings