Anthony Martial: Why He Missed The 2018 World Cup

Anthony Martial, a name synonymous with flair and potential, has had a career marked by both brilliance and periods of frustration. One significant moment that left many fans scratching their heads was his absence from the French squad in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. This article delves into the reasons behind Martial's omission, exploring the various factors that contributed to his non-selection and examining the impact it had on his career trajectory.

The Rising Star: Martial's Early Promise

Before we dissect the 2018 snub, let's rewind a bit and remember the explosive arrival of Anthony Martial onto the global football scene. He burst into the limelight with AS Monaco, showcasing blistering pace, exceptional dribbling skills, and a knack for scoring spectacular goals. This quickly made him one of Europe's most sought-after young talents. When Manchester United came calling in 2015, shelling out a significant sum for the then-teenager, expectations were sky-high.

And initially, Martial delivered. His debut goal against Liverpool, a mesmerizing solo effort, instantly cemented his place in the hearts of United fans. He continued to impress with his performances, often providing moments of magic that hinted at a truly world-class player in the making. He possessed the rare ability to beat defenders with ease, create chances out of nothing, and finish clinically. All these qualities suggested that he would not only be a key player for Manchester United but also a vital asset for the French national team for years to come. So, what went wrong?

The years leading up to the 2018 World Cup were a mixed bag for Martial. While he undoubtedly possessed immense talent, he struggled to maintain consistency. At Manchester United, he often found himself in and out of the starting lineup, battling for a place in the team with other talented attackers. This lack of consistent playing time hampered his development and prevented him from truly establishing himself as a key player. Changes in managerial personnel at United also played a role. Different managers had different ideas about how to best utilize Martial's talents, and he sometimes found himself playing in unfamiliar positions or being asked to perform different roles.

Off-the-field issues also surfaced, with reports of disagreements with managers and concerns about his attitude. While the specifics of these issues remain largely private, they undoubtedly contributed to the perception that Martial was not always the easiest player to manage. All these factors combined to create a situation where Martial's form and confidence fluctuated, making it difficult for him to consistently perform at his best. As the 2018 World Cup approached, these inconsistencies became a major concern for Didier Deschamps, the French national team coach.

Deschamps' Dilemma: France's Abundance of Attacking Talent

Didier Deschamps, the astute coach of the French national team, faced a pleasant problem heading into the 2018 World Cup: an embarrassment of riches in attacking positions. France boasted a squad brimming with world-class forwards, each vying for a coveted spot in the starting eleven. Consider the competition: Antoine Griezmann, already a well-established star; Kylian Mbappé, the electrifying young sensation; Olivier Giroud, the experienced target man; and others like Ousmane Dembélé and Nabil Fekir, all capable of changing a game.

In such a competitive environment, every player had to be in peak form and demonstrate a clear understanding of Deschamps' tactical vision to earn a place in the squad. Deschamps favored players who were not only talented but also disciplined, tactically aware, and willing to work hard for the team. He prioritized players who could seamlessly integrate into his system and contribute to both the attacking and defensive phases of the game. This meant that even exceptionally gifted players like Martial had to prove that they could fit into Deschamps' specific requirements.

The French coach had to weigh several factors when selecting his squad. Current form was obviously a major consideration. Players who were performing well for their clubs and demonstrating consistency were more likely to be selected. Tactical fit was another crucial aspect. Deschamps had a clear idea of how he wanted his team to play, and he needed players who could execute his game plan effectively. Team chemistry and harmony were also important. Deschamps wanted to create a cohesive unit where players trusted and supported each other.

Given the abundance of options and the specific requirements that Deschamps had in mind, Martial faced an uphill battle to secure his place in the squad. He needed to demonstrate not only his individual brilliance but also his ability to contribute to the team's overall success. Unfortunately for Martial, he was unable to convince Deschamps that he was the right fit for the team at that particular moment in time. The competition was fierce, and Deschamps ultimately opted for players who he believed were better suited to his tactical system and more likely to contribute to the team's success.

Performance and Consistency: The Deciding Factors

One of the most significant factors contributing to Anthony Martial's omission from the 2018 World Cup squad was his inconsistent performance in the seasons leading up to the tournament. While he showed flashes of brilliance, he struggled to maintain a consistent level of performance for both Manchester United and the French national team. This inconsistency made it difficult for Didier Deschamps to rely on him as a key player in the squad.

Deschamps needed players who could consistently perform at a high level and deliver when it mattered most. He needed players who he could trust to execute his game plan effectively and contribute to the team's overall success. Unfortunately for Martial, he was unable to demonstrate that consistency in the lead-up to the World Cup. There were periods where he looked unstoppable, scoring goals and creating chances with ease. But there were also periods where he struggled to make an impact, looking isolated and ineffective.

This inconsistency was particularly evident in his performances for Manchester United. He often found himself in and out of the starting lineup, and he struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under different managers. This lack of consistent playing time made it difficult for him to find his rhythm and build his confidence. When he did get opportunities to play, he sometimes failed to seize them, failing to make the impact that was expected of him.

Furthermore, Martial's overall contribution to the team was sometimes questioned. While he was undoubtedly a talented attacker, he was not always known for his defensive work rate or his willingness to track back and help out his teammates. This was a concern for Deschamps, who valued players who were willing to work hard for the team and contribute to both the attacking and defensive phases of the game. In a highly competitive environment, where every player had to earn his place in the squad, Martial's inconsistent performance and perceived lack of defensive contribution ultimately counted against him. Deschamps opted for players who he believed were more reliable and better suited to his tactical system.

Tactical Considerations: Fitting into Deschamps' System

Beyond individual performance, tactical considerations played a significant role in Didier Deschamps' decision to leave Anthony Martial out of the 2018 World Cup squad. Deschamps had a clear vision of how he wanted his team to play, and he needed players who could seamlessly integrate into his tactical system. This meant that even exceptionally gifted players like Martial had to prove that they could fit into Deschamps' specific requirements.

Deschamps favored a balanced and pragmatic approach, prioritizing defensive solidity and tactical discipline. He wanted his team to be difficult to break down and capable of controlling games. This meant that he needed players who were not only talented but also tactically aware and willing to work hard for the team. In attacking positions, he preferred players who could combine effectively, create space for each other, and make intelligent runs. He also valued players who could contribute defensively, tracking back and helping out their teammates.

Martial, while undoubtedly a gifted attacker, did not always fit seamlessly into Deschamps' tactical system. His strengths lay in his individual brilliance, his ability to beat defenders with pace and skill, and his clinical finishing. However, he was not always known for his tactical discipline or his willingness to track back and defend. This was a concern for Deschamps, who needed players who could contribute to both the attacking and defensive phases of the game.

In Deschamps' system, the wingers were expected to track back and help defend when the team was out of possession. They also needed to be able to combine effectively with the midfielders and full-backs, creating space and opportunities for each other. Martial, while capable of playing as a winger, was not always known for his defensive work rate or his ability to combine effectively with his teammates. This made it difficult for Deschamps to fit him into his tactical system. Deschamps ultimately opted for players who he believed were better suited to his tactical system and more likely to contribute to the team's overall success. Players like Blaise Matuidi, known for his tireless work rate and tactical discipline, were preferred over more naturally gifted players who did not fit as seamlessly into Deschamps' system.

The Impact on Martial's Career

Missing out on the 2018 World Cup was undoubtedly a major disappointment for Anthony Martial. It was a setback that may have affected his confidence and motivation. The World Cup is the pinnacle of football, and every player dreams of representing their country on the biggest stage. To be denied that opportunity can be a crushing blow, especially for a player with Martial's talent and potential.

The omission served as a wake-up call for Martial. It forced him to re-evaluate his game and address the areas where he needed to improve. He realized that talent alone was not enough to guarantee success, and that he needed to work harder, be more consistent, and adapt his game to fit the needs of the team. In the years that followed, Martial showed signs of improvement, both in terms of his performance and his attitude. He worked on his defensive work rate, his tactical awareness, and his consistency. He also developed a better understanding of what was required to be a successful player at the highest level.

While he has continued to face challenges and setbacks, Martial has shown resilience and determination to overcome them. He has remained committed to improving his game and proving his worth to both Manchester United and the French national team. Whether he will ever reach the heights that were once predicted for him remains to be seen, but his story serves as a reminder that even the most talented players need to work hard, be consistent, and adapt to the demands of the game to achieve their full potential. Missing the 2018 World Cup was a painful experience for Martial, but it may have ultimately helped him to become a better player and a more mature individual.

In conclusion, Anthony Martial's absence from the 2018 World Cup was a result of several factors, including inconsistent performance, fierce competition for places in the French squad, and tactical considerations. While it was undoubtedly a setback for the talented forward, it also served as a valuable lesson and a catalyst for improvement. The story of Anthony Martial's career serves as a reminder that success in football requires not only talent but also hard work, consistency, and adaptability.