Deschamps mulls Michael Olise as No.10 after Dembélé shift

France manager Didier Deschamps is weighing a tactical shift that would see Michael Olise (24) start in the No.10 role for the group match against Iraq on Monday night. The idea follows a half‑time change in the World Cup opener against Senegal, where Olise moved centrally and Ousmane Dembélé was pushed to the right, helping Kylian Mbappé score in a 3‑1 victory. In the final warm‑up game versus Northern Ireland, France won 3‑0 with Dembélé occupying the No.10 position behind captain Kylian Mbappé. During that match the attack appeared disjointed when the Ballon d’Or winner held the central role. At half‑time against Senegal, Deschamps introduced Olise into the centre while moving Dembélé out to the right flank, a change he described as creating more danger. The Bayern Munich forward linked up excellently with Mbappé, providing the assist for Les Bleus’ first goal.

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Deschamps explained his decision in a press conference attended by Get French Football News, stating, “I made the change today because I thought it would help us link up better. He can play on both sides, but the more often he gets on the ball, the better.” He added that the adjustment “created more danger, and Kylian was clinical for us.”

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Following the positive impact, Deschamps is now contemplating keeping Olise as the No.10 for France’s second group‑stage game. The tactical debate was also examined in a Guardian column by Luke Entwistle. Entwistle questioned whether Dembélé fits in a France attack led by Mbappé and Olise.