Deprived of many starters, the French team will present itself this Monday evening in Reykjavik with a new face. The combined packages of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Barcola and Marcus Thuram forced Didier Deschamps to review his plans. The coach surprised everyone by changing his starting line-up more than expected. If the usual frameworks remain in place, two strong decisions redefine the balance of the team.
Two bold choices by Deschamps
The two surprises of the evening are Florian Thauvin and Maghnes Akliouche. The first, recalled to the selection at the age of 32 after six years of absence, took advantage of the numerous absences to return to the eleven tricolors. The second, a Monegasque revelation at the start of the season, is making his first start in the blue jersey. Two unexpected profiles, but which reflect Deschamps' desire to focus on boldness and freshness.
The two men will supervise Jean-Philippe Mateta, established at the forefront for his first selection. In the midfield, Manu Koné will accompany Adrien Rabiot and Eduardo Camavinga, while Koundé and Digne will return to their full-back positions.
Blues: Thauvin and Akliouche, Deschamps’ strong choices
A team reshaped by absences
With Mbappé and Konaté out, Deschamps had to put together a solid backbone despite the injuries. “There will be less experience, but the same desire to get points,” confided the coach on Sunday. Internally, his message is clear: regardless of those absent, qualification remains the priority.
The Blues, undefeated in the qualifiers since 2019, are counting on this dynamic to avoid the Icelandic trap. Their last victory (3-0 against Azerbaijan) showed a more liberated team, and Deschamps hopes that these new faces will be able to extend the momentum.
Thauvin and Akliouche, symbol of a new lease of life
Thauvin's return embodies a form of rebirth: after his exile in Mexico then in Lens, the former Marseillais is enjoying a second youth in Blue. Akliouche represents the future. His ability to break the lines and dare in the last thirty meters won over the staff.
For Deschamps, these choices are a measured bet: focusing on creativity without denying collective balance. In a context of urgency and experimentation, the match against Iceland could well reveal new cards in the French game.
The Blues' eleven against Iceland
Maignan (cap.) – Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Digne – Ma. Koné, Rabiot or Camavinga – Olise, Thauvin, Nkunku – Mateta.
