Zidane’s France plan puts Dembele at the centre of attack as Mbappe shifts wide

Zinedine Zidane is considering a tactical change for France that would see Ousmane Dembele used as a centre-forward, with Kylian Mbappe returning to the left wing.

According to Le Parisien, as reported by Foot Mercato, Zidane discussed the plan with Dembele during France’s previous training camp at Clairefontaine. The former Real Madrid manager explained that he wants a forward capable of pressing continuously across the pitch, disrupting opponents and making it difficult for them to build from the back.

Zidane believes Dembele has the attributes required for the role. The Paris Saint-Germain forward has already carried out similar duties for his club, where coordinated pressing is a central part of the team’s approach.

That experience has reportedly given Dembele an advantage in the manager’s thinking, despite Mbappe being France’s captain and one of the leading figures in the squad.

Mbappe would move back to the left, a position he occupied earlier in his career. From there, he was able to start from the flank, use his pace and take on defenders, rather than operating primarily inside the penalty area as a traditional striker.

The proposed change reflects Zidane’s intention to use the different qualities within France’s squad instead of selecting players solely because of their status. Dembele offers speed, movement between the lines and a willingness to press and help regain possession, qualities Zidane considers important to his attacking system.

French media reports have also suggested there is tension between Zidane and Mbappe over the player’s preferred position. Mbappe wants to play as a centre-forward, while Zidane is believed to favour Dembele in that role and Mbappe on the left.

Speculation increased after France announced that Mbappe had been injured and would miss Thursday evening’s UEFA Nations League meeting with Italy. His absence has added to the debate over the role planned for the France captain.

Managing Mbappe represents an early challenge for Zidane. The coach must accommodate the wishes of his leading player while remaining committed to his tactical ideas, with the relationship potentially tested by the disagreement over Mbappe’s position.

Dembele will also miss France’s November international camp after suffering an injury during Paris Saint-Germain’s 4-2 victory over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League. That injury ruled him out of the game against Italy as well.

Although Dembele is unavailable, he continues to have Zidane’s confidence. The manager remains convinced that the forward can perform the job he wants in the front line.

The task now is to find a system that allows Dembele and Mbappe to play together without undermining France’s balance or cohesion.