Mbappé, Thuram, Kolo Muani… Who wants to become the new 9 of the Blues?

On July 9, in the bowels of the Allianz Arena in Munich, Olivier Giroud bowed out of the French team. After a Euro spent in the shadows (0 starts) making do with the crumbs (86 minutes during his four substitute appearances) granted by Didier Deschamps, the top scorer in the history of the national team (57 goals in 137 caps) leaves a big void in the Blues’ attack. Even if he did not play a leading role in Germany this summer, his longevity, his profile, his experience, his goal-scoring skills and his altruism, on and off the pitch, force us to ask ourselves a question, or several, from now on. Who wants to become the starting striker for the French team? Who can become one? Who will become one?

A new two-year cycle begins this week in the selection with the launch towards the 2026 World Cup (June 11-July 19) as a backdrop. The road is long, winding and in a modern football where the calendars get longer from year to year, it would be very clever to imagine the face of the Blues in two years, if they qualify, in the United States-Canada-Mexico.

But the question of the number 9 of the French team arises now. Facing Italy on Friday at the Parc des Princes and Belgium on Monday in Lyon for the Nations League, Didier Deschamps will reveal a first trend. The solutions are diverse and varied. One man concentrates all eyes: Kylian Mbappé, who should be the chosen one for his return to the Parc des Princes. I consider that in this axial position, with these three players (Mbappé, Thuram, Kolo Muani), who have different profiles, we have materialthe coach advances on this subject. Obviously Kylian is ahead with his experience. But with Marcus and Randal, we have the best for us. (at number 9 position). » Status report.

Install Kylian Mbappé

The +: in line with his position at Real
Whether at PSG or in the French team, the captain of the selection has already played in this position. Since the start of the season at Real Madrid (4 matches, 2 goals), he has been the number 9 in the Carlo Ancelotti system. With Giroud gone, Thuram and Kolo Muani not meeting all expectations and Barcola gaining depth on the left, his place seems to be axial in September. At Clairefontaine, he was used in this position. At 100% of his form, legs of fire, he is essential as a left winger, his best position. Deschamps said it: no one is 100% “Even in imperfect form, he has a wide lead over his two competitors.

The – : not its preferred position
At almost 26 years old, is Kylian Mbappé set to refocus for good? At the Euro, he appeared awkward, devoid of everything that made him strong (impact, deep pass, speed), whatever his position. As a number 9, he is not in Giroud’s profile and must expand his range. With his back to goal, in the passing game, deflection, his ability to resist muscular charges, his margin of improvement is enormous. Does he feel the deep desire? Is he aware that he has not (yet) found his legs of the 18-year-old kid who martyred Argentina at the 2018 World Cup to the point of changing his game? Whatever happens, he will always score goals. A lot. But his adventure at Real Madrid will quickly say more about the profile of player he aspires to be in the next five years.

Relaunch Marcus Thuram

The +: versatility and volume
Author of four goals in three matches with Inter Milan, Marcus Thuram is in great form at the start of the season. Partnered with Lautaro Martinez in Lombardy, he thrives in a two-man attack. In the French team, unless Didier Deschamps changes, this is not the trend. The former Guingamp player, versatile (he can play on the left) and with a large running volume, is battling with Kolo Muani in the hierarchy, far from Mbappé.

The -: a failed Euro
Starter in the first two matches of the Euro, then against Belgium in the 8^e final, Lilian’s son wandered in Germany on the front of the French attack. Absent, not very influential, worn out by defensive retreats to compensate for Mbappé’s deficiency in this sector of the game and unable to be decisive, he finished the competition on the bench. In 24 selections, he only scored 2 goals. This is far too few to aspire to be the number 9 of the Blues. Against Italy and/or Belgium, he must score and finally provide answers.

Trust Kolo Muani

The +: Deschamps’ confidence
A starter in the semi-final and final of the Euro (1 goal against Spain), Randal Kolo Muani is, with Bradley Barcola to a lesser extent, the only striker to have been at the level last June-July. No one would have imagined seeing him from the start before the competition. This is the strength of the former Nantes player, highly regarded by Deschamps, who never gives up. Whether in the centre or on the right, he gives his all and responds to his coach’s instructions. Not sexy, but effective.

The -: less talent than its competitors
In this international return, he does not start, as often, with the status of potential starter. At PSG, he has to make do with crumbs, Luis Enrique prefers Asensio at number 9 and in the French team, he is far behind Mbappé, even if there may be a match with Thuram in Deschamps’ mind. On the right side, with Olise and Dembélé, he does not represent a sure value. A routine for Kolo Muani (22 selections, 5 goals) who will not make waves and already considers himself happy to be in the France group.

Our opinion: Kylian Mbappé and the rest of the world

Against Italy at the Parc des Princes, the captain of the Blues will be the number 9 lined up. No surprise in the end. This choice responds to his position at Real Madrid and the emergence of Bradley Barcola on the left. The latter did not play enough during the Euro and has shone at PSG since the start of the season. He must be seen in his position, or he attacks… and defends. Which is what Mbappé is not doing. The new Madrilenian is not at 100% and doubts persist about his ability to repeat the runs and regain the legs that made him famous. He is well ahead of Thuram and Kolo Muani but he must provide answers about his ability to flesh out his game as a number 9 against low blocks.