If Sagnol steps down, that would open some space, but Clerc has been doing well, so things aren’t clear cut for Sagna. As for Clichy, even with a new manager, I don’t see Abidal or Evra being dropped unless they really suck. Which neither of them don’t. Ben Arfa’s chances depend on what he makes of his next move, to Marseille probably. Flamini’s position is not certain either – he might be more “attacking,” but it really depends on what the new manager will want, especially when Toulalan and Lassana Diarra are such terrific players.

Oh, another thing, Michel-Olivier, I am actually not aware that Pjanic has been capped by Bosnia yet, as the Bosnian FA appears in total shambles, though it’s suggested that he will opt there. Although I included him anyway as a guy who would make it on our team as his ability is definitely that high, he could likely start, I think, for any national team if he continues improving at this rate, and he can develop emerge as a terrific #10. These days, it appears that more often than before, because of the FIFA take on dual nationalities, there are many players who actually backtrack out of their decisions as to which country they will represent, a recent example of that would be Issiar Dia, a guy who came out of Clairefontaine and involved in France U-x teams for years, who has joined Senegal.

In any event, as fascinating as the discussion of nationality was, I don’t wish to return to that subject if it’s not warranted. Instead, I think it’s key that whoever the nouveau sélectionneur is, they have to bring the bit of enthusiasm and excitement we so sorely lacked with Domenech. I think Mourinho had it exactly right, Domenech treated Makélélé as a slave, and in many ways, our team played as if they were slaves who were there only to carry out a duty. If we can bring that team spirit we had back in the glory days where it was actually FUN to play, then I think we’ll see a huge difference come the World Cup. On that note:

Mexès is almost indispensible now as while some can say he’s too aggressive, he has that fire and passion.
Vieira, if healthy, should remain in the team as Toulalan, while he performed very well, is a quiet, effective type of guy. If we are going to use 2 central midfielders, the other should be bolder.
Offensively, the team should have a Ben Arfa type, a guy who can disrupt defenses and beat multiple defenders. He’s only had a couple of minutes of action in L1 thus far, but Henri Saivet would actually be someone who could do that as well, as could Obertan.

Anyway, I’m very much enjoying everyone’s discussion and ideas. Though for today, Hup Holland!

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=549675&cc=5901

It should be noted that in this article he also says he is unsure whether he will carry on until World Cup 2010.

@ Jean-Michel: Ben-Arfa is also an excellent choice to play left wing. Him and Nasri are both important substitutes. I also picked Flamini ahead of Toulalan because I feel he poses more of an attacking threat.

I agree that entering this World Cup, it’s unlikely to expect the U-18s Sakho, Saivet, D. Le Tallec, etc. to have an impact. If Obertan continues to his progression, he can’t be ruled out as a backup to Ribéry.

In any event, the WC 2010 lineup, in my opinion:

Frey
Sagna – Gallas – Mexès – Abidal/Evra/Clichy
Toulalan
Ribéry – Nasri – Ben Arfa
Benzema – Henry

2nd team:

Lloris/Mandanda
L. Diarra – Bellaïd – Sakho (if ready)/Squillaci – Abidal/Evra/Clichy
Mavuba – Flamini
Pjanic (if available)/Obertan – Ménez
Rémy – Gouffran