World Cup 2022: why Wenger believes that the “favorite” of the final is “France”

Most of the world will only look at Argentina in the World Cup final. Or rather, for his guide: Leo Messi. However, the French team of Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann or Olivier Giroud have very strong arguments that also seem to convince Arsene Wenger. FIFA’s director of development will not miss a beat of this world competition, which will allow France or Argentina to hang a third medal on their jerseys.

“France blocks their opponents well and is very dangerous in transitions. She is my favourite,” says the shepherd dog to JDD, who readily admits he is biased because he is a “supporter”. This does not detract from his tactical analysis of the forces present. While he talked a lot about the importance of going through the corridors to make a difference, the former Arsenal Gunners manager also highlights the qualities of speed and strength of the team led by Didier Deschamps. “If we compare the speed in each position, then the Blues are higher. And it weighs in the last twenty minutes,” adds someone who really liked Antoine Griezmann’s influence on the Blues’ game.

This World Cup will also highlight the importance of true centre-forwards, clean nines, which we didn’t do anymore. In that sense, Olivier Giroud clearly pulled himself out of the game and cleared more than one thorn in the Blues’ leg during the World Cup. First of all, and this time it applies to both teams, he emphasizes the necessary ability to dribble and use verticality to succeed when a team like Spain has the ball, but without taking advantage of that strong ball possession.

“France has it with Mbappe and Dembele, Argentina has it with Messi. Everyone is coming together again so quickly that one-on-one meetings have become very important in all areas,” Wenger pleads. Get your opponent off balance by staying put, the keys are known. And if each team thinks they know a little better than the other how to do it, Wenger ensures the Blues have a little more on paper to get a 3rd star.