The left-back position has been a topic of discussion in the French rugby team for quite a while. But in the idea of a knockout tournament, manager Didier Deschamps surprised everyone when he selected Theo Hernandez out for Digne in the important Round of 32 France vs Sweden match.
This was an unanticipated choice, upsetting the team’s left winger formation. In this tactical breakdown of Lucas Digne vs Theo Hernandez, we explore the exact reasoning behind this high-stakes decision, as well as the impact defensive stability had on France’s tournament journey.
The Tactical Re-shuffle: Why Deschamps Pivoted to Digne
It’s all about being pragmatic with defense and balance, and that’s always been Didier Deschamps’s preference over individual showmanship. Theo Hernandez is a hot-hot man on the forward line, but he has left big gaps when it comes to transition.Theo Hernandez can give France explosive forward output, but he has left the forward line too wide open to oppose attacks at times.
The Straits Times match analysis reported that Deschamps had completely overhauled his left defence and brought on Bradley Barcola to be used more towards the middle of the field. With the French national team desperate to find a left back in the more staid, stay-back role that Barcola occupied, France needed a more controlled, stay-back left back.
Lucas Digne vs Theo Hernandez: The Core Stat Profiles
Two full-backs can provide two very different tactical advantages in a Lucas Digne vs Theo Hernandez matchup:
- Positional discipline, crossing and set piece delivery is Lucas Digne’s forte. The 32-year-old Aston Villa defender has the experience of tournaments and a tactical mind for holding the defensive line.
- Theo Hernandez: Famed for his world class overlapping runs, ball carrying speed and half space driving. His high-risk approach can throw wrenches into conventional European counter-attacking formations, though.
Tactical Context: How the System Favored Lucas Digne vs Theo Hernandez
Deschamps chose to play defensively in a tight little Swedish block instead of going for the quick player. Deschamps decided on a compact Swedish defence rather than the hard-break option. The move to kick off Digne followed the arrival of William Saliba at center-back, as reported by Flashscore News. This change led to a very well coordinated defence.
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Why Did Deschamps Bench Theo Hernandez for Digne Against Sweden?
There are three main tactical factors that explain why the manager chose to bench Theo Hernandez for Digne:
1. Complementing Bradley Barcola’s High Positioning
France were not looking for an overlapping full-back to give them width with Barcola starting on the left wing. Barcola is naturally inside and hugging the touchline. Digne’s ability to sit in the inverted inverted hybrid defender role meant France were able to play a fluid DPS against the Portuguese.As an inverted inverted hybrid defender, Digne’s ability meant France could switch into a fluid DPS against Portugal. During possession, play back-three.
2. Set-Piece Supremacy
In knockout football, it is common to win and lose by the margins. The Premier League Official Hub has been monitoring Digne to see if he can remain one of the best crossers in the English Premier League, as he is. He gave France an elusive aerial weapon with his world-class set-piece delivery against a physically demanding Swedish side.
3. Restoring Defensive Equilibrium
Hernandez’s sharp and swift accelerations often make the left-side central defender retreat into the left corner to fill in open space. When facing a direct threat, but not so much against a side equipped with a strong forward.
FAQs
Is Theo Hernandez injured or facing a drop in form?
No. Hernandez is 100% ready and is still an elite option. It was a tactical decision made to play Theo Hernandez on the bench for Digne because it was based on the combination of threats he posed on the wing and where Barcola was set up in the defense.
Will Digne remain the permanent starting left-back for France?
It depends on the situation and is very context dependent. Deschamps favors changing his full-backs’ line-up depending on the opponent. Hernandez is better when France is in need of the maximum attack threat down the flank whereas Digne will provide better structural control when possession-led or physical teams are in operation.
How did the decision impact France’s overall performance?
The gamble took place with success. France had a clean sheet and showed an exceptional defensive performance down the left side in the 3-0 win over Sweden.
