France and the Press: How Deschamps Reinvented Midfield Intensity
France’s run at EURO 2024 is fueled by a more aggressive pressing system than we’ve seen in recent tournaments. Didier Deschamps, long associated with pragmatism, has added a new weapon: coordinated midfield press traps.
The Setup
Using a 4–3–3 out of possession, France deploys Tchouaméni as the anchor, with Camavinga and Griezmann pressing high. Their PPDA (passes per defensive action) has dropped to 7.8 — second best in the tournament.
Trigger Points
France triggers the press after horizontal passes in the midfield third or risky backpasses under pressure. Fullbacks step up early, creating isolation traps.
“We’ve studied patterns. If we force the pass into zone 14, we collapse the net.”
– France’s assistant coach Guy Stéphan
Limitations and Risks
Pressing high brings exposure. Against teams like Portugal or Netherlands, France will need recovery pace and alert transitions. But the system is built to flex when needed — including fallback into a 4-4-2 block.
