Seductive Nkunku, disconcerting Olise, gloomy atmosphere… Favorites and scratches

FAVORITE

Nkunku, a successful comeback and a message for the competition

Without his repeated injuries, he should have been part of the adventure in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup or even at the Euro last summer, in Germany. Appreciated by the Blues staff, the former Parisian, now at Chelsea, shone for his return to the French team Thursday evening, during the 4-1 victory over Israel, in Budapest, in the League of Nations. With a goal combining finesse and power, eliminating five players, he showed all his qualities as a finisher. But beyond his achievement, whether on the left or in the axis, Nkunku revealed real activity, with a significant volume and interesting ball catches. A real full match. To see again very soon. The competition is warned.

Serious Blues… if not attractive

These meetings are of little use as the balance of power is unequal. It’s often even a pain in the ass. There is nothing to get excited about, Israel was so weak and undoubtedly had its head elsewhere, but the French team had the merit of doing the job. Without puffing out the chest, without seducing, but being effective. Certain elements showed beautiful things, which must be revisited in another context. Others have also shown that the weight of the blue jersey is sometimes heavy to carry.

Also readThe notes of the Blues against Israel: Nkunku attractive, Olise distressing, Guendouzi twirling

Guendouzi and Barcola, replacements finally bleeding

We have often criticized, rightly, the sometimes non-existent contribution of the replacements and it would be dishonest not to welcome the opposite on Thursday evening. Coming into play in the second half, Mattéo Guendouzi and Bradley Barcola met expectations. And beyond. The first mentioned finished with a goal and an assist… for the second, who had time to slide his traditional flat with his curled right foot. Bleeding and incisive entries into play.

SEE ALSO – Rafael Nadal and football, a long love story

CLAW STRIKES

A low level match

«When we win the opponent is weak and when we lose we are worthless», said Didier Deschamps to the media on Thursday evening in Budapest after his team’s success. A bit provocative, without animosity, the coach knows that Israel is a weak football nation (79th in the FIFA rankings) and that the Blues did the job without being great. We didn’t necessarily ask them for more. But this football match, sandwiched between the Champions League and the domestic championships, will not be remembered.

Also readLeague of Nations: Serious without seducing, the Blues extinguish Israel

Olise, what is this match?

For his third selection and his second start, we expected a lot from Michaël Olise, attractive with Bayern Munich since the start of the season. The disappointment is total. That the Olympic vice-champion misses his match is not a problem, it happens to everyone. But that he does so little, in the attitude, the way of making himself available, at times nonchalant, as if he was disinterested in the game, all of this raises questions. With such a light CV, when you step forward to replace Antoine Griezmann position for position, you have to show a lot more. Having talent is good. But this is not enough at the international level. You also need desire and a spirit of sacrifice. Michaël Olise had none of that Thursday evening.

A gloomy atmosphere

Barely 2300 spectators for a stadium which can hold 8250, pouring rain, in a part of Budapest which would not appeal to a tourist and a match decided in advance. All the elements were there for a gloomy evening. It didn’t fail. The Blues scored four goals, including two in the last minutes, fortunately as the overall environment did not encourage smiles and outpourings of joy. It felt like a third division match.