Germany vs France. UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 semi-final. Photo by James Whitehead (All rights reserved – Sporting Her).
France may have been one of the favourites for this years competition. The have a great squad depth; However, a number of injuries has made it a little more challenging for Les Bleues. Listed below are 5 players to watch and the skill-set doesn’t disappoint.
Wendie Renard
Firstly we have captain Wendie Renard, well regarded as one of the best centre-halves. She’s been performing at that standard for many years. Standing at 6 foot 2 inches, Renard is an extremely difficult competitor to beat, with 2.29 Aeriels won per 90 in the last 365 days… one of the best in the air. She’s amassed 284 appearances for Lyon, winning 8 Champions Leagues, whilst being named in the FIFPro: FIFA FIFPro World XI an incredible 7 times. Over the course of her club career so far she’s scored 92 goals, she certainly can deliver at both ends of the pitch. With 146 appearances for France, alongside 34 goals, her national career only supports that claim. Renard certainly is in the conversation of centre-backs that lead the way in Europe.
Ève Périssit
Secondly we have Ève Périssit, another important part of the French defence. Péressit is another experienced defender who has gone from strength to strength. Her performances have caught the eye for Chelsea, who just won the Women’s Super League and FA Cup double in her first season. Her international career is still relatively new, playing since 2016. Péressit can hit 50 appearances this tournament, however, which is an impressive feat. Péressit is an exceptional passer, a 82% pass completion % in the last 365 days holds her as a quality passer from full-back.
Grace Geyoro
Thirdly we have Grace Geyoro, a midfielder who plays her trade for Paris Saint-Germain. Geyoro could potentially be entering her prime years as a footballer, which is scary news for the rest of the competition. Geyoro likes to link up with her teammates, helping to keep some control in the middle of the pitch. She’s exceptional at carrying the ball. Over the last 365 days, 2.02 ball carries per 90 is an exceptional stat when compared to other midfielders. Geyoro also knows how to produce goals, 8 goals and assists in 28 appearances for club last season is impressive, 6 of them being goals.
Kadidiatou Diani
Next we have Kadidiatou Diani, a club teammate of Grace Geyoro. Diani is a forward with many qualities… her power, technical dribbling, strong determination and strong character hold her as one of the best forwards in Europe. She is also a tremendous goal scorer with 21 goals in 24 games for club last season. Overall her Paris Saint-Germain tally stands at 74 goals in 114 appearances, a record that keeps up with many stars. Diani also has the experience at national team level, 22 goals over 84 games for France show that she can be the difference maker for Les Bleues this summer.
Eugénie Le Sommer
Lastly we have Eugénie Le Sommer, the experienced forward and goal scoring legend. The amount of goals she’s scored over the years for club and country is incredible. Le Sommer holds the record of most goals for France with 89. She also has scored an incredible 183 goals for Lyon so far, two stats that are extremely impressive. Le Sommer is also known for her versatility, being able to play on the left-wing which helps her assist as well as score. She has lightning speed with great dribbling abilities and is also great at crossing the ball. This may be Le Sommer’s last World Cup and she’ll be hungry to add a world triumph to her superb career.
Alongside these strong five, France have a squad full of quality. Les Bleues will undoubtedly be one of the teams to beat, despite those before-mentioned injury worries.
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