Bayern Munich: French trio set to play in UEFA Nations League Final
The international break is often monotonous since games are often friendlies or qualifiers. However, the current international break has a much more competitive edge due to the scheduling of the semi-finals and final of the UEFA Nations League. The French contingent from Bayern Munich will be contesting in the final after 3-2 win against Belgium on Thursday.
As of now, it is defenders’ union from Die Roten in the French team. The other regulars with the national team- Corentin Tolisso and Kingsley Coman, stayed at Sabner Strasse during this break since the duo is recovering from injuries.
Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard started for France against Belgium, while Dayot Upamecano was an unused substitute. The defending World Champions had to come back from two goals down to seal a place in the final later this week.
Hernandez started in the heart of the defense as Didier Deschamps decided to play a back three. The French manager used Varane as the central defender, while Hernandez and Jules Kounde slotted on the left and right side of the Manchester United defender, respectively.
In the first half, Lucas Hernandez had a torrid time dealing with Romelu Lukaku. He lost the duel against Lukaku for Belgium’s second goal and often struggled positionally. Even though Hernandez struggled while defending, he maintained much better composure when the team was building from the back. As the game progressed, the Bayern Munich defender improved and had a much better second half.
Meanwhile, Pavard started in the wing-back role against Belgium. The former Stuttgart defender played on the right flank. He was not as attacking as Theo Hernandez was on the left flank, but he managed to deliver a solid performance. Pavard almost got himself on the scoresheet when he acrobatically converted a cross into a very good shot on target.
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Upamecano watched the entire game from the bench. He will have to be patient for his chance with the French national team. Varane is the undisputed main man in the defense, while the likes of Hernandez, Kounde, Kimpembe are ahead of him in the pecking order. If he continues to deliver good performances at the club level, then he can soon command a place in Les Bleus’ starting XI.
The final of the Nations League is set to be a blockbuster clash between Spain and France. It will be a great boost to the confidence of Die Roten’s French defenders if they manage to win the trophy with France on Sunday.