Anthony Martial: Why No Russia 2018?

Hey guys! Let's dive into the curious case of Anthony Martial and his absence from the France squad at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. It's a topic that had fans scratching their heads and sparked plenty of debate. Why wasn't this talented young player on the plane? What factors contributed to his omission? We're going to break it all down, looking at his form leading up to the tournament, the competition he faced, and ultimately, the decisions made by Didier Deschamps.

Martial's Form and Performance Before the World Cup

Leading up to the 2018 World Cup, Anthony Martial was playing for Manchester United. His form was somewhat inconsistent, marked by flashes of brilliance interspersed with periods where he struggled to find the net and maintain a consistent starting position. Under Jose Mourinho, Martial showed glimpses of his immense potential, demonstrating his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to score spectacular goals. However, he often found himself rotated in and out of the lineup, making it difficult for him to establish a sustained rhythm and build confidence. Statistically, his season was decent but not outstanding. While he contributed a reasonable number of goals and assists, it wasn't enough to cement his place as an undisputed starter for either club or country. One of the critical aspects to consider is how managers perceive a player's contribution beyond just goals and assists. Things like tactical discipline, work rate off the ball, and consistency in following instructions play a significant role. Mourinho, known for his demanding tactical approach, may have sought more consistency in these areas from Martial. This is not to say that Martial lacked these qualities entirely, but perhaps they weren't consistently demonstrated to the level that Mourinho expected. Furthermore, the competition for places in Manchester United's attacking lineup was fierce. Players like Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard, and Juan Mata were all vying for starting positions, which meant Martial had to constantly prove his worth to get minutes on the pitch. This environment, while potentially motivating, could also create added pressure and affect a player's form if they felt they had limited opportunities to showcase their abilities. All these factors combined meant that Martial's form was a mixed bag heading into the crucial period for World Cup selection. He had moments of brilliance, but overall, his performances lacked the consistency that would have made him an undeniable choice for Didier Deschamps. The inconsistency made it more difficult for Deschamps to justify including him in the squad, especially given the other options available.

Competition in the French Squad

The French national team boasted an incredibly strong attacking lineup in 2018, creating intense competition for places. This was a major hurdle for Anthony Martial. Let's break down some of the key players he was up against: Antoine Griezmann, who was at the peak of his career, was an undisputed starter. His versatility, tactical intelligence, and goal-scoring record made him indispensable to Deschamps's plans. Kylian Mbappé, the young sensation, had exploded onto the scene with his blistering pace and clinical finishing. His performances for Paris Saint-Germain and the national team made him a guaranteed pick. Olivier Giroud, while perhaps not as flashy as Griezmann or Mbappé, offered a crucial physical presence and aerial threat. His ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play was highly valued by Deschamps. Other players like Ousmane Dembélé and Nabil Fekir also provided different attacking options. Dembélé's dribbling and unpredictability made him a dangerous weapon, while Fekir's creativity and eye for goal added another dimension to the attack. Given the wealth of talent available, Deschamps had to make tough choices. He wasn't just looking for individual brilliance; he needed players who could fit into his tactical system and work effectively as a team. This meant that factors like tactical discipline, work rate, and the ability to follow instructions were just as important as pure skill. Martial, while undoubtedly talented, may have been perceived as less versatile or less suited to Deschamps's specific tactical requirements compared to some of the other options. For instance, Giroud's ability to play as a target man and link up play was something that Martial, with his more direct and individualistic style, couldn't replicate. Similarly, Griezmann's tactical intelligence and defensive contribution were qualities that Deschamps heavily relied upon. In such a competitive environment, even slight differences in these areas could be decisive. Ultimately, the depth and variety of attacking talent in the French squad meant that Martial faced an uphill battle to secure his place. The other players simply offered a combination of qualities that Deschamps found more compelling for his overall strategy.

Deschamps's Decision and Tactical Preferences

Didier Deschamps, the coach of the French national team, had a clear vision for his squad and tactical approach. His decision to exclude Anthony Martial from the 2018 World Cup squad was heavily influenced by these factors. Deschamps is known for prioritizing tactical stability, defensive solidity, and team cohesion. He prefers players who are disciplined, hard-working, and capable of executing his game plan effectively. While individual brilliance is always welcome, Deschamps places a greater emphasis on players who can contribute to the collective effort and maintain a balanced team structure. In the context of the 2018 World Cup, Deschamps favored a 4-2-3-1 formation that relied on a strong defensive foundation, quick transitions, and clinical finishing. He needed players who could fit seamlessly into this system and carry out their specific roles with precision. The players he selected, such as Griezmann, Mbappé, and Giroud, were chosen not only for their individual talents but also for their ability to work together and fulfill the tactical requirements of the formation. For instance, Griezmann's role as a versatile attacking midfielder involved not only creating chances and scoring goals but also tracking back and contributing defensively. Giroud's presence as a target man provided a focal point for the attack and allowed the team to play direct balls when needed. Mbappé's pace and dribbling skills were crucial for exploiting spaces in the opposition's defense. Martial, while possessing many of these qualities, may have been perceived as less versatile or less suited to Deschamps's specific tactical needs compared to the other options. For example, his tendency to drift wide and take on defenders individually might have been seen as less compatible with Deschamps's emphasis on quick transitions and coordinated attacking movements. Additionally, Deschamps may have had concerns about Martial's defensive contribution and tactical discipline, particularly in comparison to players like Griezmann, who are known for their work rate and willingness to track back. Ultimately, Deschamps's decision to exclude Martial was a strategic one based on his assessment of the player's fit within the team's tactical framework and his overall vision for the squad. It wasn't necessarily a reflection of Martial's talent or potential, but rather a judgment about how he would contribute to the team's chances of success in the tournament. The ultimate vindication of Deschamps's approach came with France winning the World Cup, solidifying his reputation as a pragmatic and successful coach.

Public and Media Reaction

The omission of Anthony Martial from the France squad for the 2018 World Cup sparked significant reaction from the public and the media. Many fans and pundits were surprised and disappointed by the decision, given Martial's undeniable talent and potential. There was a general sentiment that he deserved a place in the squad, and his absence was seen as a missed opportunity. Some argued that Martial's pace, dribbling skills, and ability to score goals could have provided a valuable attacking option off the bench, especially in tight matches where the team needed a spark. Others pointed to his performances for Manchester United, highlighting his moments of brilliance and suggesting that he had the quality to make a difference on the international stage. The media also weighed in on the issue, with many outlets questioning Deschamps's decision and speculating about the reasons behind it. Some reports suggested that Deschamps had concerns about Martial's attitude or work rate, while others attributed his omission to the intense competition for places in the squad. There were also discussions about Martial's tactical fit within Deschamps's system, with some arguing that his individualistic style might not have aligned with the coach's emphasis on team cohesion and tactical discipline. Despite the criticism, Deschamps remained steadfast in his decision, emphasizing that he had selected the players he believed were best suited to his tactical plan and most likely to contribute to the team's success. He acknowledged Martial's talent but insisted that he had to make difficult choices based on the overall needs of the squad. While the public and media reaction was largely critical of Martial's omission, there was also a recognition that Deschamps had a track record of success and a clear vision for the team. Many fans and pundits ultimately accepted his decision, even if they didn't necessarily agree with it, and focused on supporting the team as they embarked on their World Cup campaign. The debate surrounding Martial's absence continued throughout the tournament, but it eventually faded as France progressed through the knockout stages and ultimately lifted the trophy. The team's success validated Deschamps's choices and silenced much of the criticism.

Martial's Career After 2018

So, what happened to Anthony Martial after the 2018 World Cup? Well, his career has been a bit of a rollercoaster, to be honest. He's had moments of brilliance, showing glimpses of the world-class potential everyone saw in him when he first burst onto the scene. But he's also faced challenges with consistency, injuries, and changes in management at Manchester United. After the World Cup snub, Martial seemed determined to prove his doubters wrong. He had a decent run of form for United, scoring some important goals and showing flashes of his old self. There were times when he looked like he was finally establishing himself as a key player for the club. However, injuries have been a recurring issue throughout his career, and they've often disrupted his momentum. Just when he seemed to be hitting his stride, a knock or a setback would sideline him, forcing him to start all over again. The constant changes in management at Manchester United have also played a role. Each new manager has their own ideas about how the team should play and which players fit into their plans. Martial has had to adapt to different tactical approaches and prove himself to each new boss, which can be a challenging and unsettling experience for any player. There have also been questions about his consistency and work rate. While his talent is undeniable, some critics have argued that he doesn't always put in the required effort or show the same level of intensity in every game. This has led to debates about his attitude and commitment, and whether he has the mental fortitude to reach the very top. Despite these challenges, Martial has shown resilience and determination to keep fighting for his place. He's still relatively young, and he has plenty of time to fulfill his potential. Whether he stays at Manchester United or moves to another club, it's clear that he has the talent to make a significant impact. It will be interesting to see how his career unfolds in the coming years.

In conclusion, Anthony Martial's absence from the 2018 World Cup was a result of several factors: inconsistent form, fierce competition in the French squad, and Didier Deschamps's tactical preferences. While his omission was controversial, France went on to win the tournament, validating Deschamps's choices. Martial's career since then has been a mix of highs and lows, and he continues to strive to fulfill his immense potential.