France vs Senegal: Who Should Didier Deschamps Start in Attack?

As France prepares for their World Cup match against Senegal, head coach Didier Deschamps faces a challenging decision regarding his attacking lineup. Despite a wealth of talent at his disposal over his 14-year tenure, the competition for one particular forward position has reached new heights.

With Kylian Mbappe leading the attack and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele likely to occupy the No. 10 role, Michael Olise appears to have secured his place following a hat-trick against Northern Ireland just before the tournament.

The remaining forward spot, likely a left-sided or rotational role in Deschamps’s 4-2-3-1 formation, is being contested by three exceptional young talents: Rayan Cherki, Bradley Barcola, and Desire Doue.

Sports Mole examines the strengths of each candidate and offers a final verdict.

Rayan Cherki

© Iconsport.

Cherki, at just 22 years old, is arguably the most naturally gifted player among the trio. His exceptional dribbling skills and two-footed ability make him a nightmare for defenders. After an impressive debut season with Manchester City, where he scored 11 goals and provided 16 assists across all competitions, he solidified his reputation as an elite creative talent capable of thriving at the highest levels of football.

However, Cherki’s playing style requires significant creative freedom that may not fit seamlessly into Deschamps’s structured approach. He excels in open games but may struggle against well-organized defenses.

Bradley Barcola

© Imago.

Barcola, aged 23, has been one of Paris Saint-Germain’s most consistent performers since joining from Lyon in 2023. His standout season saw him score 21 goals and provide 20 assists in 67 matches across all competitions, ranking him among Europe’s top wide forwards.

Known for his pace and directness, Barcola can exploit defensive gaps effectively—an essential quality in World Cup matches where counter-attacks are often key. His familiarity with teammates like Dembele gives him an edge in chemistry on the field.

However, his recent form has been less impressive compared to previous seasons, with only 13 goals in 48 games last year. This decline raises questions about whether Deschamps might prefer to use him as an impact substitute rather than a starter.

Desire Doue

© Imago.

At just 21 years old, Doue has delivered remarkable performances over the past two seasons with PSG. He concluded the 2024-25 campaign with an impressive tally of 16 goals and 14 assists in 62 appearances while earning accolades as both UEFA Champions League Young Player of the Season and Ligue 1 Young Player of the Season.

Doue has proven his mettle in high-pressure situations during crucial Champions League knockout matches and displays versatility by excelling on either wing. His current form demands consideration for a starting spot as he approaches this tournament with confidence after contributing five goals in his last six matches for PSG.

The Verdict

All three players have earned their places on this World Cup roster and will undoubtedly make significant contributions throughout the tournament. However, if Deschamps aims to field his strongest XI against Senegal on Tuesday and progress deep into the competition, Doue stands out as the optimal choice to start.

His experience in critical moments at such a young age could be pivotal in determining France’s success during this tournament. While Cherki and Barcola are both immensely talented players who will play vital roles, Doue’s current form positions him as the most compelling option for Deschamps as he embarks on what will be his final World Cup as manager.