When Didier Deschamps was asked if Karim Benzema could make a shock return to his squad for the World Cup final, he was sheepish. “I’d prefer to move on to the next question,” he said, unable to hide the smile that had crept onto his face.
Benzema was named in the 26-man squad ahead of the tournament, but got injured in the build-up to France’s opener with Australia. He’s been recuperating with Real Madrid and this week returned to action in a friendly, raising hopes that his World Cup may not be over. Deschamps had the option of replacing him in the 26-man squad, but because he chose to continue with 25 fit players, Benzema is allowed to come back.
But that doesn’t mean he should. Here’s the two sides of the coin, debating whether he should come back, or whether he should leave this France squad to it.
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Why he should stay away!
Benzema’s return could unbalance a squad that has been so professional during this tournament. It’s absolutely no secret that France have been better off without him at this World Cup. Olivier Giroud has stepped to the plate with four goals and those around him, including Mbappe, perform far better when the 36-year-old is in the side, rather than Benzema.
The 2018 success was built around Giroud’s sacrifice, and although his output has increased this time around, for his flying wingers he remains the perfect number nine. The wins over England and Morocco proved how good this France team is during tournaments and unfortunately for Benzema, he hasn’t played any part of the 2018 or 2022 editions.
It might just be a coincidence that France could make it back-to-back World Cups without him, but Deschamps shouldn’t take that risk. He’s only played one game on his road to recovery so isn’t in with a chance of starting anyway, especially given the form of Giroud. So why potentially disrupt the entire squad just to throw a striker on for the last few minutes if France need a goal? It makes little sense.
The only major tournaments as coach that Deschamps has not made the finals in were when Karim Benzema was in the squad: World Cup 2014 & EURO 2021.
Their squad depth may look shallow on paper, but Marcus Thuram has done well in wide positions and allows Mbappe to play centrally. Meanwhile Kingsley Coman offers another attacking option which would let Mbappe run at the likes of Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero at the heart of Argentina’s defence.
Surely the pros of disruption and media attention take away from the positives he could bring.
Why he should play!
This is a no-brainer. If the current Ballon d’Or holder and man who has scored five in seven games in La Liga this season is available, even for ten minutes, he should return to Qatar. This is simple. It’s a World Cup final and you need world class players to win them.
If Benzema is sat on the bench and France need a goal, he is the perfect man to bring on. In fact, there isn’t another striker in world football you’d rather have in reserve if needed. Argentina will be far happier if Thuram comes off the bench rather than Benzema and he provides another weapon for Deschamps to use, in emergencies.
If France are winning the game, he is unlikely to feature, but to have the option of bringing on one of the best players in the world is something that is impossible to turn down. In my view, there are absolutely no negatives to Benzema’s return - only the biggest positive of all. He could win them the World Cup.
What should also be considered, away from normal time, is his ability to take a penalty. Should France go to a shootout for the first time in this competition, they could bring on Real Madrid’s designated penalty taker. Emi Martinez might fancy his chances of being a penalty shootout hero again, but Benzema is one of the best in the world from 12 yards.
If he’s fit enough to play, he has to join the group. Plus, he is more likely to boost the confidence of the current French players rather than harm it. He might not have played any part in the run so far, but if he wins the final for France, he will be heralded as a hero.
*18+ | BeGambleAware
