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France have a comparatively easy group in this years World Cup. They face Honduras, Switzerland and Ecuador in Group E, and only Switzerland are a minor threat to them topping the group, while the othersare merely minnows in World football. Ifthere are no mishaps,France should comfortably top the group and qualify for the round of16.The loss of Franck Ribery is a major blow, but they have enough talent to make up for his loss.TheLes Bleushave a good mix ofyoung and experienced players and can do very well at the World Cup.Here are 5 key players for France at this years World Cup.You can see the Top 5 players for other teams here:FIFA World Cup top 5 Players for each country
#5 Hugo Lloris
Not many teams have their goal keepers as their Captain. Hugo Lloris will be leading the Les Bleus at the 2014 World Cup and comes into the World Cup on the back of a fantastic season for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
Looking at Tottenham’s goals conceded column, it might appear that Lloris had a terrible season but truth be told, the Frenchman performed brilliantly and made some spectacular saves, and was left helpless by Tottenham’s hapless defence.
Lloris has performed very well for France and is obvious goalkeeping choice for Deschamps. Lloris was appointed as the captain after Euro 2012 and has performed his duties very well. The last man in defense for France will play an extremely crucial role at this year’s World Cup.
#4 Mathieu Valbuena
Mathieu Valbuena’s position in the first eleven has always been up for debate. The midfielder was left out of the starting eleven for the first leg of the World Cup play off against Ukraine which France lost 0-2.
He was reinstated for the second leg and was instrumental in France’s 3-0 triumph. Deschamps might not trust the Marseille midfielder completely, but it is clear that the pocket sized midfielder will have a great impact on France’s performance in the tournament.
In the recent friendly against Norway, Valbuena assisted 3 out of the 4 goals that France scored.
Whatever formation Deschamps opts for in this World Cup, he cannot afford to neglect Valbuena.
#3 Laurent Koscielny
Laurent Koscielny is probably in the form of his life.
The Arsenal center back had an excellent season partnering Per Mertesacker. He was instrumental in the Gunners’ fourth place finish in the Premier League and their FA Cup triumph.
He has been equally good and performed consistently for France. He is the automatic first choice center back for Deschamps and his form would give the French manager great relief.
Along with club-mate Bacary Sagna, highly experienced Patrice Evra and the immensely talented Raphael Varane, Laurent Koscielny is part of a formidable back four for France.
#2 Karim Benzema
The Real Madrid striker had a great 2013/14 season. He scored plenty of goals and contributed greatly to their achievements this year.
Benzema had lost his position in the starting eleven to Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud . But as the year turned he found his form and his play went back to the standards expected of him.
He is the best striker currently in the French squad and without a doubt Didier Deschamps would field the Madrid striker ahead of Olivier Giroud and Loic Remy. He has a crucial role to play at the World as he will be the lone striker, and it will be his scoring ability that would determine France’s fate at this year’s World Cup.
#1 Paul Pogba
Didier Deschamps has shown a lot of faith in this young midfielder from Juventus. His pedigree can be judged by the fact that he started against Spain during the qualifiers, which was only his 2nd international cap.
He was one of the star performers for Juventus this season. His role as a box-to-box midfielder is key as he sets the tone for his team’s play. He passes the ball well, is strong in the tackle and his work rate is great.
In this year’s World Cup, France’s hopes of doing well will greatly depend on him and how he handles the big stage.
