Anthony Martial: Why He Missed The 2018 World Cup

Hey guys! Let's dive into the curious case of Anthony Martial and his absence from the France squad at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. It was a moment of both surprise and disappointment for many fans who admired Martial's talent and potential. So, what exactly happened? Why wasn't he part of Les Bleus when they clinched the title? Let's break it down.

The Talent of Anthony Martial

Before we delve into the specifics of 2018, let's appreciate what Anthony Martial brings to the table. Bursting onto the scene as a teenager with AS Monaco, Martial quickly became known for his blistering pace, incredible dribbling skills, and composure in front of goal. His move to Manchester United in 2015 only amplified the hype. At United, he showcased moments of brilliance, scoring spectacular goals and demonstrating the potential to become a world-class forward. His versatility, capable of playing as a center-forward or on either wing, made him a valuable asset for any team.

Martial's strengths aren't just limited to his technical abilities. He possesses a remarkable ability to maintain close control while moving at high speeds, making him a nightmare for defenders. His finishing, when he's in form, is clinical, and he has a knack for scoring crucial goals in big games. Beyond the stats, it's his flair and unpredictability that make him such an exciting player to watch. When he’s on his game, he has that je ne sais quoi that makes fans jump out of their seats. All these qualities combined meant many expected him to be a key part of France's future, including the 2018 World Cup. But football, as we know, rarely goes exactly as expected.

The 2017-2018 Season: A Mixed Bag

To understand Martial's exclusion, we need to look at his form during the 2017-2018 season. This period was a mixed bag for him at Manchester United. While he showed flashes of brilliance, consistency was an issue. Under Jose Mourinho, Martial often found himself in and out of the starting lineup. He had periods where he looked unstoppable, followed by stretches where he seemed to fade into the background. This inconsistency made it difficult for him to cement his place as an undisputed starter, and it also impacted his chances with the national team.

Statistically, the season wasn't terrible for Martial. He contributed with goals and assists, but he didn't quite hit the heights that many anticipated. The competition for places at United was fierce, with players like Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard, and Juan Mata all vying for similar roles. Mourinho's tactical preferences also played a role. The manager often rotated his attacking players, and Martial sometimes found himself playing in different positions or coming off the bench. This lack of a consistent role made it challenging for him to build momentum and showcase his best form consistently. The uncertainty surrounding his playing time definitely affected his confidence and rhythm, which, in turn, influenced his performances on the pitch. Ultimately, this inconsistency proved costly when it came to World Cup selection.

Deschamps' Dilemma: France's Attacking Depth

France's national team coach, Didier Deschamps, faced a pleasant problem heading into the 2018 World Cup: an abundance of attacking talent. He had a wealth of options to choose from, including Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappé, Olivier Giroud, and Ousmane Dembélé, among others. All these players were in good form and had proven their worth on the international stage. Deschamps had to make tough decisions about who to include in his squad, and he prioritized players who he believed would best fit his tactical system and team chemistry.

Deschamps is known for valuing tactical discipline and team unity. He prefers players who are not only talented but also willing to work hard for the team and follow his instructions. In his eyes, teamwork is paramount. While Martial possessed undeniable talent, there were concerns about his consistency and tactical awareness, particularly in a structured team environment. The other attacking players in contention had demonstrated a better understanding of Deschamps' tactical requirements and had shown a greater willingness to adapt to different roles within the team. Given the limited number of spots available in the squad, Deschamps opted for players who he felt offered the best balance of talent, tactical fit, and team spirit. This is not to say that Martial lacked these qualities, but in Deschamps' assessment, other players were simply a better fit for his vision of the team. So, depth of talent played a big role.

The Decisive Factors: Form, Fit, and Team Chemistry

Several factors contributed to Deschamps' decision to leave Anthony Martial out of the 2018 World Cup squad. As mentioned earlier, Martial's inconsistent form during the 2017-2018 season was a significant factor. Deschamps needed players who were performing at their peak and who he could rely on to deliver consistent performances throughout the tournament. While Martial had moments of brilliance, he hadn't quite reached that level of consistency.

Another crucial factor was tactical fit. Deschamps had a clear idea of how he wanted his team to play, and he selected players who he believed would best execute his tactical plan. He valued players who were disciplined, hard-working, and willing to sacrifice themselves for the team. While Martial is undoubtedly talented, there were concerns about his tactical awareness and his ability to consistently follow instructions. Other players, such as Griezmann and Mbappé, had demonstrated a better understanding of Deschamps' tactical requirements and had shown a greater willingness to adapt to different roles within the team.

Finally, team chemistry played a vital role in Deschamps' decision-making process. He wanted to create a cohesive and harmonious squad where everyone was pulling in the same direction. He believed that a positive team environment was essential for success, and he selected players who he felt would contribute to that environment. While there were no reports of Martial being a disruptive influence, Deschamps may have felt that other players were better suited to fostering a positive team atmosphere. Ultimately, the combination of form, tactical fit, and team chemistry led to Martial's exclusion from the squad.

Martial's Reaction and the Road Ahead

Understandably, Anthony Martial was disappointed to miss out on the 2018 World Cup. It's every player's dream to represent their country at a major tournament, and Martial had worked hard to try and earn his place in the squad. While he didn't publicly express his frustration, it's safe to assume that he was determined to prove Deschamps wrong and force his way back into the national team setup.

Since 2018, Martial has continued to play for Manchester United, experiencing both highs and lows. He has had periods of excellent form, scoring crucial goals and showcasing his immense talent. However, he has also struggled with injuries and inconsistency, which have hampered his progress. Despite these challenges, Martial remains a valuable asset for United, and he has the potential to become a world-class player.

For Martial, the road ahead involves maintaining consistency in his performances, staying fit, and continuing to develop his tactical awareness. He needs to show Deschamps that he is capable of delivering consistent performances at the highest level and that he is willing to adapt to different roles within the team. If he can do that, there's no reason why he can't force his way back into the France squad and play a key role in future tournaments. He needs to ensure he's undeniable for selection. This means focusing on his strengths, working on his weaknesses, and maintaining a positive attitude. The talent is there; it’s all about putting it together consistently.

Conclusion

Anthony Martial's absence from the 2018 World Cup was a result of several factors, including inconsistent form, tactical considerations, and team chemistry. While he undoubtedly possessed the talent to be part of the squad, Deschamps opted for players who he believed were a better fit for his tactical system and team environment. It was a tough decision, but one that ultimately paid off as France went on to win the tournament.

For Martial, the experience served as a valuable lesson. It highlighted the importance of consistency, tactical awareness, and team spirit. He has the talent and potential to achieve great things in his career, and he will no doubt use this experience as motivation to improve and reach his full potential. The 2018 World Cup may have been a missed opportunity, but it doesn't define his career. He still has plenty of time to write his own story and achieve success on the international stage. Keep pushing, Martial!