Thursday, August 16, 2007

Domenech gives his big list for the Int'ls

http://www.sport24.com/sport24_article_actualite_sportive_football__equipe_de_france__france_slovaquie__la_selection_les__italiens__en_seront_18233.html

Domenech has announced the list of 34 players that he will draw from to meet Slovakia in a friendly. All of this is with the next Euro qualifier matches coming up, and the first two game for France will be paramount - at Italy and home against Scotland.

As I look over the list there are a few surprises - the main one being Boumsong. I really do not understand Domenech's love affair with the former Ranger defender. There is no doubt that he has some tremendous raw talent...actually I would even question that! He is a big defender, so is decent in the air. Has decent pace, but does not seem to read the game well and gets beaten too easily to the position. France has some much better options in the middle of the defense - Thuram, Gallas, Mexes, Givet, Escude, and Squillaci....so why take the overrated Juventus central defender when a much more deserving player, such as Clichy, should have been selected? Domenech has a wealth of options to anchor the middle of the defense, however needs to develop players on the wings, especially with Sagnol being injured.

Other surprises - Rothen is a slight surprise, I think he deserves the call up. He is a natural left footed player and until his injury a few seasons ago appeared to be a viable midfielder for Les Bleus. His early season with PSG has given him the honor of being selected. What is interesting is that Domenech has selected a very defensive oriented midfield. With the Diarra's, Diaby, Vieira, Toulalan, Mavuba and Makelele the midfield is rather leaning towards defensive/holding midfielders. I would have liked to have seen a Gourcuff called up.

Overall Domenech should have a solid squad to turn to, but this game will be crucial for him to determine what system to go with once France faces Italy and Scotland. Will Henry be back alone up front? Will Anelka be put back on the bench? What is Trezegol's role? Which keeper will be the #1? Is Nasri ready to take the mantel as France's #10?

It should be interesting, but I think that Domenech has a wealth of talent to select from, which is a good problem.

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