Why Layvin Kurzawa Should Start for France Following Win with Sweden
In the games against both Albania and Sweden, AS Monaco left-back Layvin Kurzawa was a standout performer for Les Bleus as he made his full international debut. His runs down the left flank were an exciting feature during Les Bleus' 1-0 win over Sweden, and the defender has done enough to show he should continue to start for France next year.
Kurzawa’s inclusion in the latest France squad came as somewhat of a surprise. Injuries to both Juventus veteran Patrice Evra and Sevilla’s Benoit Tremoulinas meant that Deschamps had to name a second left-back to play back-up to Paris Saint-Germain’s Lucas Digne.
After replacing Digne during the second half of the Albania match, he then lined up from the start against Sweden, and it is not hard to argue that Kurzawa performed better over the two games than his younger team-mate.
The Monaco full-back impressed, just as he has in Ligue 1. His tireless runs down the flank, coupled with dangerous, incisive, attacking runs into the box were a delight to watch.
After just 11 minutes of the Sweden match, Kurzawa was picked out by Paul Pogba with a beautiful chip over the top of the defence. The 22-year-old flashed his volley over the bar, but it was a warning to the Swedes that Kurzawa had to be monitored closely.
Tuesday’s 1-0 victory over Sweden was France’s 10th win in 2014, their only defeat coming against World Champions Germany in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, and it is a run that Deschamps will want to continue when they kick off their 2015 campaign in March against Denmark.
During the World Cup, Evra was Deschamps’ first-choice left-back and with the Juve man set to make his return from injury in the next two weeks, barring any further set-backs, he will be recalled for the next round of friendlies. However, Deschamps will have to decide whether to stick with Digne or give Kurzawa the nod.
Both are excellent options, and they both give France an attacking impetus down the left, but on current form, it is hard to look past Kurzawa, especially if his good form continues this season.
Digne has struggled to oust Brazilian Maxwell as PSG’s first-choice left-back, with the former Lille defender only managing six starts from 13 games this campaign.
Under Leandro Jardim, Kurzawa has started 10 games this season, and not only is he first-choice at Monaco, but he is one of their most influential players. He is constantly gaining experience, even making his Champions League debut this season.
Digne had always been earmarked as the long-term replacement to Evra, but now, he not only has competition for the place, but he risks being overtaken and left out of future squads.
One slight issue could be that Kurzawa may have picked up a slight calf tear during the Sweden game, via L’Equipe (in French), but there is more than enough time before the next round of friendlies for the left-back to recover and continue to impress for Monaco.
This season, Kurzawa has shown a more dynamic and creative edge to his game. Against Albania, Digne could be criticised for not providing enough crosses into the box, his performance was more low-key, and when Kurzawa came on, there was a distinctive injection of pace and directness down the left.
Recently, while playing for the under-21 side, Kurzawa’s mentality was brought into question. The well-documented celebration against Sweden during the under-21 playoffs was unwelcomed, per Chris Wright of ESPN FC, but it looks to have spurred the defender on, rather than hinder his progression.
It is a mistake that Kurzawa will unlikely make again, and the player Deschamps saw on Tuesday night looked mature and composed. Even if Evra is fit and playing well enough to take back his space in the France defence, there is an argument that now is the time for one of the young pretenders to take his place in the starting XI.
There is definitely still a place for Evra in the squad, and having his experience for both club and country will be crucial in helping the development of someone like Kurzawa.
The Monaco man is exceptional going forward, he provides another option as he races forward in attack, and the defensive side of his game is improving week after week.
As Deschamps continues to build this France side towards the 2016 European Championships, the decision to continue with Kurzawa at left-back could be one that he won’t live to regret.
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