Let’s Talk About the Game

I think we need to discuss last week’s game before we move onto more interesting stuff. Like, say, Gallas’s autobiography.

First off, the biggie: What did you think about Steve Savidan?

I thought his energy level was a breath of fresh air. He’s waited a long time for this, and he really, really wanted to make an impact. Sometimes some of the longterm players (even the younger ones) can seem a bit jaded, so it was pleasant to watch someone who is so completely…not. Like I said in the comments, he reminded me of a six-month-old labrador puppy — all energy and willingness to impress. The team could use more of that.

Unfortunately that energy ultimately didn’t make him any more effective than any of the other players. My guess is that if he’s given the chance he’ll settle down a bit and maybe think through the shots, maybe take a little more time to set things up. The question is, will Domenech give him the chance? And if so, at whose expense? This club does not need five strikers, especially when it has to play several of them out of position to get them on the field together.

Yoann Gourcuff was a bit of a disappointment. Uruguay had his number and shut him down pretty effectively, and I don’t think he was having an on night. Let’s hope this is temporary, because for the team to even make it to the World Cup he’s going to have to be something close to the player everybody expects him to be. No pressure, Yoann.

I thought Hugo Lloris looked good in goal, although it did help that Uruguay couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn with their shots. It would have been interesting to see what he could do if they’d had their shooting boots on.

It was interesting to see Patrick Vieira on the field again. A few tantalizing touches to remind us of what once was, and yet… I’m still thinking the team would be better off developing younger talent. (But at least he didn’t get injured. As far as I know.)

Franck Ribéry and Jérémy Toulalan continue to delight. Those two never seem to get jaded either. I always enjoy watching them, even when they can’t make things happen. Although I enjoy it more when they can.

Philippe Mexès had a much better game than against Austria, but that wasn’t exactly difficult. My head says he’s probably the answer to our centerback question, but my heart is not fully convinced that he and William Gallas can get the job done.

I’m also not fully convinced by Rod Fanni, although he had a good game. What do you think? Is he better than Bakary Sagna? What about Francois Clerc? Or should we be calling up someone else? And Patrice Evra didn’t seem as sharp as he has previously.

Henry wasn’t bad, but he wasn’t effective either. Ditto Anelka. Benzema didn’t seem to do a whole lot when he came on, nor did Nasri. (And has anybody else noted that bad France games seem to affect club form the week after? It’s as if the guys’ confidence gets sapped. Let’s hope it’s temporary. I for one have really enjoyed seeing our French guys score loads of goals for their clubs this season and want it to continue.)

And Alou Diarra and Jimmy Briand didn’t make much of an impression, to the point that I’d forgotten they subbed in till I looked at a match report.

Goal.com’s player ratings, which I mostly agree with:

Lloris: 5
Fanni: 6.5 (seems maybe a little high to me)
Evra: 5
Mexès: 5
Gallas: 5
Toulalan: 6
Vieira: 5
Henry: 5
Gourcuff: 5
Ribéry: 5.5
Anelka: 4.5

Subs:
A. Diarra: 5
Nasri: 4.5
Savidan: 6
Benzema: 5
Briand: 4.5