Larqué Slams France’s Tactical Setup
France’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup have taken a tactical twist, with legendary pundit Jean-Michel Larqué launching a blistering critique of Didier Deschamps’ use of Ousmane Dembélé. The former France captain argued that deploying Dembélé out of position effectively “sacrifices a Ballon d’Or contender” and weakens Les Bleus’ attacking potency.
Speaking on RMC’s “Rothen s’enflamme”, Larqué took aim at the decision to start Dembélé behind Kylian Mbappé rather than in his natural right-wing role during the final warm-up friendly against Northern Ireland.
“I would have liked to see Mbappé play 45 minutes in his proper position during the preparation matches,” Larqué said. “You need to present a team with Olise on the right, Dembélé through the middle and Mbappé on the left.”
The Tactical Puzzle Facing Deschamps
The France manager has experimented extensively during the build-up to the tournament, rotating between Dembélé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué and Rayan Cherki across the attacking line. For the 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland, Deschamps deployed Dembélé in a central attacking midfield role — a position that Larqué and fellow pundit Jérôme Rothen believe neutralises his most dangerous qualities.
Rothen noted that “Dembélé is clearly not in confidence with Les Bleus”, pointing to his inconsistent form in the national shirt compared to his devastating performances for Paris Saint-Germain. The contrast has become a growing concern for French supporters who remember Dembélé’s match-winning contributions in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
The Likely Starting XI
Deschamps is expected to field a front four of Doué, Dembélé, Olise and Mbappé for France’s World Cup opener against Senegal on June 16 at East Rutherford, New Jersey. Cherki, who started against Northern Ireland, has also pressed his case for inclusion with lively displays during the preparation phase.
“There is a starting eleven and I know very well that we will also need players who come off the bench and perform,” Deschamps said when asked about his selection dilemmas. “I count on the whole squad.”
Ballon d’Or Implications
The broader debate touches on Dembélé’s status as one of world football’s most gifted attackers. Despite dazzling form for PSG — where he has emerged as a genuine Ballon d’Or candidate — his France returns have not matched his club output. Larqué’s argument that the national team setup is actively diminishing the output of a player of Dembélé’s calibre has struck a chord with many observers.
France enter the World Cup as one of the favourites, boasting remarkable depth across every position. Yet the question of how to best deploy their attacking talent remains unresolved as the tournament approaches. With Senegal, a physically imposing and well-organised side, awaiting them in the group stage, Deschamps will need to find the right balance quickly.
Source: RMC Sport (BFMTV)
