Ligue des Nations: Will Deschamps Leave Benzema Out of His Squad?
The upcoming Ligue des Nations fixtures are just around the corner, and all eyes are on Didier Deschamps and his squad selection. With the World Cup looming, this tournament represents a crucial opportunity for France to test their mettle and fine-tune their strategy.
One burning question on everyone's lips: will Karim Benzema be included in Deschamps' squad? The Real Madrid striker's recent form has been phenomenal, but his injury history and age remain a source of concern.
Benzema's Recent Performance: A Case for Inclusion?
Benzema's recent performance has been nothing short of exceptional. He's spearheading Real Madrid's attack with clinical efficiency, scoring goals and creating chances with remarkable consistency. His partnership with Vinicius Junior has blossomed into a formidable force, and his overall impact on the team is undeniable.
This impressive form could easily convince Deschamps to include Benzema in his squad. After all, the French team needs a reliable goalscorer, and Benzema is a proven commodity at the highest level. His experience and leadership qualities could also be invaluable in a high-pressure tournament like the Ligue des Nations.
The Counterarguments: Age and Injury Concerns
However, there are valid reasons why Deschamps might choose to leave Benzema out of his squad. Firstly, his age. At 35, Benzema is no longer a spring chicken, and his physical capacity might be a concern for a demanding tournament like the Ligue des Nations.
Secondly, his injury history. Benzema has been prone to injuries throughout his career, and his recent hamstring issue is a cause for worry. Deschamps might be hesitant to risk aggravating his injury, especially with the World Cup on the horizon.
The Potential Impact of Benzema's Absence
If Deschamps decides against including Benzema, the impact on the French squad would be significant. The team would need to find a new goalscoring threat, and the lack of a natural leader in the attack could be a significant disadvantage.
However, this could also be an opportunity for other players to step up. Players like Kylian Mbappé, Olivier Giroud, and Antoine Griezmann would need to shoulder more responsibility, and the chance to lead the line could be a valuable experience for them.
The Final Verdict: Deschamps' Call
Ultimately, the decision rests with Deschamps. He has a difficult balancing act to perform. He needs to select a squad that can perform well in the Ligue des Nations while also keeping one eye on the World Cup.
Benzema's inclusion would bring experience and goalscoring prowess to the team, but his age and injury concerns are legitimate factors to consider. Only time will tell what Deschamps decides, but one thing is certain: his decision will have major implications for France's immediate and long-term future.