France vs Norway: Blanc’s first selection!

August 5th, 2010 | by: Sarah |

generation 87

The 87 generation is back on top…can they rediscover their winning ways?

Well, we’ve wondered, debated and made a million recommendations of which 23 players should be included in this very important selection. I say “very important” because being Blanc’s first selection it will set the tone for his reign. it is imperative that this group of players demonstrate their ability to provide competition to the 23 players left out of the squad (and thus place a much needed fire under their ass) AND because the world will be watching how we can recover from that whole World Cup mess.

And after all that debating, rumors and partial lists – the day has finally come! Here is Blanc’s first selection for Les Bleus!

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

DEFENDERS: Rod Fanni (Rennes), Adil Rami (Lille), Philippe Mexes (AS Roma), Sakho (Paris SG), Benedict Trémoulinas (Bordeaux), Aly Cissokho (Lyon), Mathieu Debuchy (Lille).

MIDFIELD: Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid), Moussa Sissoko (Toulouse), Yann M’Vila (Rennes), Samir Nasri (Arsenal ), Yohan Cabaye (Lille), Charles N’Zogbia (Wigan), Blaise Matuidi (Saint Etienne).

STRIKERS: Hatem Ben Arfa (Marseille), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Loïc Remy (Nice), Jimmy Briand (Lyon), Jeremy Menez (AS Rome), Guillaume Hoarau (Paris SG).

INITIAL THOUGHTS
I don’t want to give away too much yet since i’ll be discussing this (with Dave Trotter and Martin Michelot) on Ligue 1 Talk’s podcast tomorrow. But, I will say its amazing to see the 87 generation back on top (hope they don’t screw it up!), Blanc clearly wasn’t ready to give any favors to his old Bordeaux players and the pro-Frey/Pro-Trezeguet lobby will (I’m sure) have a lot to say…

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sandra350

Wow. I'm especially impressed with the striker line-up. Also good to see Nasri included (just hope he's not injured, he's been fantastic in pre-season, our most in-form player).

Finally! Been waiting eagerly to see Blanc's thinking. As with Mano's young squad for Brazil's upcoming friendly v. USA, I am very much looking forward to seeing this squad play.
wsg

So who is the 23rd player?
I am a bit surprised that Mathieu Flamini continues to be ignored for international games. He is a quality holder, arguably just as good as Toulalan & Diarra. Also, Blanc did not call his former Bordeaux centre-back, Michael Ciani, or Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny.
http://france.worldcupblog.org/ OffsideSarah

He only chose 22.
ROD

Ruffier
Fanni-Mexes-?-Cissokko
Diarra-Sissokko
Nzogbia-Nasri-Menez
Benzema
Shame he didn't call up Frey
adam

Ruffier
Fanni-Mexes-Sakho-Trémoulinas
LDiarra (C)
Menez-Nasri-Ben Arfa
Benzema-Briand
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jaja-Siamun/100000729758584 Jaja Siamun

Blanc said he didn't call most of the international league players because they aren't simply match ready yet. The Serie A starts at the end of the month, so I can see why Flamini was not selected.
JeanFrancoisRacinet

It's great to see so many Ligue 1 players playing for the FNT. I can't believe it's already almost game time. I hope the Norway Coach agrees with Blanc to allow plenty of substitutions. Because I would like something similar to what clubs do with exhibition matches, where they have two separate teams for each half, it wouldn't have to be a drastic as that, but similar.
Nicolas

Blanc said in the press conference that he'll be allowed only 6 changes, so 5 players will have to be on the field for 90 mn. But that press conference felt so goood. Blanc was cool, making jokes, talking football. A NORMAL coach at last… Good luck to this new team ! Can't wait to see them play.
JeanFrancoisRacinet

6 changes is still quite a bit. I think some players like Mexes, Nasri, Diarra, and Benzema deserve the full 90 minutes. Also it would be silly to sub Goalkeepers. So those would be my 5 guys to stay the whole match.