Benjamin Pavard’s importantly transferred his brilliant Bundesliga form for VfB Stuttgart into his exertions for France at the World Cup, as he’s been one of the breakout stars of the tournament.
While it’s easy to overlook some of the lesser known players in Les Bleus’ extraordinarily talented side like Pavard, the 22-year-old deserves immense credit for his accomplished, polished performances so far.
Undertaking his defensive duties with intelligence, determination and physicality, the languid right-back has looked right at home on the biggest stage, barely putting a foot wrong.
He’s tracked his runners diligently, making sure to always monitor their location constantly, so he’s prepared to follow them deep, track them infield or be at the ready for runs in behind. Pacey, concentrated and often touchtight, Pavard’s adversaries certainly haven’t found life easy against him. Moreover, the timing of his tackles, interceptions and headers has been great too, with his reading of the play providing him with a firm platform to be so effective.
In terms of his attacking output, he’s also been a solid contributor here, for he’s passed and crossed with assuredness and clarity, plus given his team great width and depth down the right through his forward bursts. The way he’s coalesced so nicely with Kylian Mbappe has been another highlight, where Mbappe will shift into the nearby half space, which drags his opponent with him, thus successfully manufacturing oceans of space for Pavard to bomb into to stretch the opposition backline.
Pavard’s scintillating volley against Argentina was a fitting reward for all his industry and consistency in Russia so far. But he won’t be resting on his laurels, however, for he’ll be well aware of the threat this fearsome, aggressive and quality laden Uruguay possess in the quarter-finals.
Composed, unflappable and an absolutely integral member of Didier Deschamps side, there’s no reason to expect the fundamentally sound Pavard won’t to do his nation proud yet again vs. Uruguay.
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