The Ribery Dilemna

As the match versus Romania rapidly approaches, Domenech has a pressing dilemma on his hands - what to do with Ribery? The Bayern midfielder is not 100%. However he remains the talisman of the French national team, the player Les Bleus look to when things get tough. See the following example from the Lithuania match.



He has scored 2 of France's last 4 goals. The Ribery -Gourcuff tandem was very dangerous during the game at Romania. So what to do? Should Domenech save Ribery for the away match against Serbia? Should he use him as a super sub against Romania, use him only if need be? Should he start Ribery and tell him "play a good 45 minutes and I will then take you out at the half."

Of course, in his infinite wisdom, Domenech does not really have an alternative that can play on the right wing. Remy could be the best option, but a lot to ask of a youngster for Les Bleus. He could slot Anelka out there as he did against the Faroe Islands, but the Chelsea man's natural tendency is to drift back to the center of the park, back towards his natural position as a high striker. Domenech could try Gignac out wide on the right, but I fear he would have the same tendencies as Anelka. Too bad Domenech passed on selecting players such as Luyindula who is having a good start of the season with PSG.

Here is the tact I would take -

• Keep Ribery on the bench as your offensive wild card.
• Have Henry play his prefered spot on the left side.
• Have Remy jump into the deep end by slotting him on the right.
• Start either Benzema or Anelka up front.
• Formation - Abidal, Squillaci, Gallas, Evra -- Toulalan, Diarra -- Henry, Gourcuff, Remy -- Anelka.

If Les Bleus can jump on Romania, get up a goal or two they could keep Ribery on the bench. If they need a jump start, think of bringing him on late for Remy on the wing. You can always look to Benzema/Gignac to come in late as a 2nd striker or to give a change of pace from Anelka. If Domenech can find a way to "save" Ribery for the Serbia game, that would give him many options for that match. What I fear is that France goes up a goal, has the game in hand and Domenech still decides to run out Ribery...similar to what he did against the Faroe Islands.

The real problem behind all this, Domenech once again has selected players, all solid, but not necessarily fit into the formation he clinges to. France do not have a natural right wing, have a conflict on the left (Henry, Ribery and Malouda prefer that slot) and has no clear center forward (Benzema? Anelka? Henry? Gignac? all solid options, but no clear #1). Granted the lose of Nasri takes away an option for a right sided player. Players such as Luyindula, Remy, Menez to name a few, could be the options to fill the right side of the offense. There is still time to figure this out....but that is fleeting.