France captain Kylian Mbappé could return to his former role on the left wing under head coach Zinédine Zidane, sparking tactical debates across French media regarding how the national team will reshape its attacking structure.
Zidane, who recently took charge of Les Bleus, hinted at a potential tactical shift during a squad announcement. While his predecessor Didier Deschamps deployed Mbappé primarily through the center of the attack—notably during Euro 2024—Zidane indicated a willingness to explore different configurations for the Real Madrid forward, stating that he views the player effectively on the left flank.
A Tactical Departure from the Deschamps Era
Throughout his tenure, Deschamps firmly established Mbappé as a central striker. The former France manager famously defended that decision in June, noting that critics questioning the central positioning overlooked the forward’s scoring efficiency. Mbappé entered this international window as the national team’s all-time leading goalscorer, having netted 10 goals during the previous summer’s international fixtures.
However, Zidane’s openness to shifting his captain back to the left wing represents a significant stylistic pivot. Mbappé last featured in that wide role during a competitive fixture in July 2024 against Spain in the European Championship semi-final, where Randal Kolo Muani started through the middle. While that specific match yielded mixed results, it showcased Mbappé’s ability to stretch defenses and deliver decisive service from the flank.
Balancing the Left Flank and Defensive Cover
Moving Mbappé to the left wing alters the team’s offensive geometry. Observers note that placing the forward on the touchline could drag multiple defenders toward the left channel, thereby creating space in central areas for teammates like Ousmane Dembélé.
At the same time, a wide deployment carries defensive implications. Mbappé’s responsibilities on the flank typically involve minimal tracking back, which places greater defensive pressure on the left-back. To maintain team balance, Zidane will likely rely on a sturdy midfield pivot. Historical precedent under previous setups frequently involved defensive stabilization from midfielders such as Adrien Rabiot and Aurélien Tchouaméni, who provided defensive cover to protect full-backs like Theo Hernandez during major tournaments.
As Les Bleus prepare for their upcoming fixtures, including a match in Turkey, Zidane’s willingness to experiment during a four-match sequence will provide a clearer picture of whether the left-wing approach becomes a permanent fixture of his tactical identity.
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