France with the 4-3-3 or Christmas tree?

It appears that Blanc might be ready to move on from the usual 4-2-3-1 that we have grown accustomed to. Of course let us not forget that a certain Dumbenech dabbled with a 4-3-3 before the 2010 World Cup, it showed some potential...and then went back to a 4-2-3-1 once the World Cup started. Why the 4-3-3 or even the Christmas Tree is an option for France is the personnel available.

Not just a pretty face

Blanc does not have a true #10, but what he does have are a number of flexible midfielders - ones that can play wide or float into the middle of the park. With that in mind, the 4-3-3 works well allowing the top 3 to interchange, play at different levels and widths. Benzema fits that scheme as he likes to drop deep at times or float to the wings...Ribery, while natural on the left, can pop up on the opposite wing or in the middle. What has been eye opening is the play of Malouda who seems to be at ease slotting deep or in the middle. While he is not the typical #10 he does fill a void in the center of the park. The question becomes Nasri or Ben Arfa on the right. The Manchester City man had some flashes against Serbia but also disappeared at times. Does Blanc continue to put him out there or does Ben Arfa get a serious look.

Blanc also has depth - Menez, Martin and Valbuena are all options to play on either wing in the 4-3-3. The formation shows promise, it has been used before with success and I hope Blanc sticks with it...and does not pull a Domenech at the last minute!