Laurent Blanc Keeps His Word

The French football revolution has started! Newly appointed manager Laurent Blanc kept his word by not selecting any of the 23 players who played at the World Cup in South Africa. Blanc has selected a fairly inexperienced squad in which 13 of the players could make their international début in the friendly against Norway. The team selection reflects the wide selection, variety and talent there is to choose from in France, many of the players are of a young age. However, there was room for Mexes, Diarra, Benzema and Nasri to be included in the team.

Many of the players selected have little recognition in world football but are Ligue 1’s rising stars. In defence Lyon’s Cissokho and PSG’s Sakho are two quality defenders who will become a key part of the French national team for many years to come. The midfield is full of talent and class; Matuidi, Sissoko and Mvila are all young guns who you must look out for. It will also be interesting to see how Wigan’s Charles N'Zogbia performs in the match, he will also be making his debut.

Up front, Loic Remy who is being scouted by several clubs will be the goal machine and could partner Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema who has played 27 games for Les Bleus. The former Lyon striker is going through some turbulent times and his call-up is a symbol of Blanc’s support.

The French Revolution is a fresh start for France after a terrible World Cup campaign. A new squad full of talent, ambition and a new personality is what the team needs. Furthermore, Laurent Blanc is a completely different coach to Domenech; he is a natural winner who plays an organised attacking game. The game against Norway will be an interesting match to watch.

France squad to play against Norway on Wednesday the 11th August:

Goalkeepers: Nicolas Douchez (Rennes), Stephane Ruffier (Monaco)

Defenders: Aly Cissokho (Lyon), Mathieu Debuchy (Lille), Rod Fanni (Rennes), Philippe Mexes (Roma), Adil Rami (Lille), Mamadou Sakho (PSG), Benoit Tremoulinas (Bordeaux)

Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (Lille), Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid), Blaise Matuidi (Saint-Etienne), Yann Mvila (Rennes), Charles N'Zogbia (Wigan Athletic), Samir Nasri (Arsenal), Moussa Sissoko (Toulouse)

Forwards: Ben Arfa (Marseille), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Jimmy Briand (Lyon), Guillaume Hoarau (PSG), Jeremy Menez (Roma), Loic Remy (Nice)

What are your thoughts on the selection?