PLAYER RATINGS | Israel 1-4 France: Les Bleus shine in attack without Kylian Mbappé | OneFootball

France aimed to take control of their UEFA Nations League group as they travelled to Hungary to take on Israel. Les Bleus suffered a defeat to Italy on the first matchday of the competition but rebounded with a victory against Belgium. The hosts came into the match winless after losing their first two games.

With the first effort of the match, Camavinga found the back of the net in fortunate circumstances. The Real Madrid midfielder’s left-footed effort from distance was dealt with horribly by Glazer in the Israel goal, failing to save the shot convincingly and turning the ball into his own net. Dembélé went close to adding a second as Les Bleus looked to hurt Israel on the counter-attack, but the PSG forward couldn’t hit the target after receiving a good pass from Olise.

Israel started to find a foothold in the game with sustained periods of possession. This possession was then rewarded. An early ball floated into the box from Gloukh was met by Gandelman, who expertly headed the ball into the corner beyond Maignan.

Nkunku soon restored France’s lead. The Chelsea attacking midfielder did excellently to hold off his man before turning with ease and dancing through the Israeli defence before sliding the ball home at Glazer’s near post. Nkunku almost had a quickfire double, but before connecting with Dembélé’s cross, the ball was turned behind for a corner. Les Bleus led 2-1 at the break.

In the second half, France searched for their third goal of the match, but despite extensive possession, it proved to be a torrid task for Didier Deschamps’ team. Ousmane Dembélé looked like the most likely player to find the back of the net with a couple of dangerous runs and efforts from distance but the Paris Saint-Germain forward’s attempt proved unfruitful.

Tchouaméni was presented with an opportunity unmarked from the edge of the area, but the captain’s effort was blocked well. From the bench, it would be Guendouzi who eventually found the third goal after 40 minutes of sustained pressure from Les Bleus. The Lazio midfielder’s driven shot nestled into the bottom corner from the edge of the area. Barcola made it two in two minutes after the goalscorer of the third played a disguised ball into his path. The PSG forward made no mistake as expertly curled the ball home to secure all three points.

Without Kylian Mbappé, Les Bleus had enough quality in attack to create chances and inflict agony on the Israeli defence whilst collecting three points in the process.

France player ratings:

Mike Maignan – 5

Jules Koundé – 6

Ibrahima Konaté – 6

William Saliba – 5, Caught out for Israel’s first-half equaliser, the Arsenal centre-back didn’t have a busy night defensively. However, when needed, he was caught napping as Gandelman escaped behind him to head home.

Théo Hernandez – 6

Eduardo Camavinga – 7

Aurélién Tchouaméni – 6

Ousmane Dembélé – 7, Despite a lack of opportunities in the second half until the late stages, the PSG attacker looked the most likely player to make something happen. The right winger played with a confidence that showed in his ability to beat players with ease and provide some promising moments in attack

Michael Olise – 5

Christopher Nkunku – 7, The Chelsea attacking midfielder looked impressive on his France return and was keen to make an impression. He did just that with an expertly taken goal and some inspired moments of link-up play in attack. For his goal, the ability and strength to shake off his man with ease and add the finish was inspired.

Randal Kolo Muani – 6

GFFN | Liam Wraith