Pavel Buchnevich
Drury and Laviolette Must Go
As I said, talent isn't everything. But I can't see an area where Germany is better than France. Maybe goaltending if Areola busts and Lafont doesn't progress which is a long shot.
France is clearly better up front and in cental D. Germany's impressive in midfield, but I can't see France being weaker.
I'm not saying France will win more than Germany because talents have to mesh and coaching is important. But if you only compare talent wise, I don't see how you can say Germany is more versatile or better talent distribution.
France's depth is completely crazy. You didn't even include guys like Zouma, Gnagnon, Harit, Blas, Edouard, Didillon, Maisonnial, Touré, Sidibé, Nkunku, Ikone, etc...
EDIT : Seri is 25, Cyprien is 22....
Like DM said, I didn't include all the German players, nor all the players from any country. I don't have that good of a memory that I can remember every player.
But in central defense, Germany has Sule, Tah, Stark, Kehrer, and then even someone like Ginter who fans malign is still only 23, and would be very good for most clubs, just not yet as a main player for a big club. Beyond that, I don't really know that many of the big name younger players who aren't yet playing first team football, just the ones that get a lot of attention. That goes for all these countries. I was just making the poll, and then others will debate. That list isn't gospel.
You tell me though, does France have better full-back depth than Weiser, Henrichs, Passlack, Klostermann, Gerhardt, not to mention Kimmich can play right-back or even center-back?
And then in central midfield, does France have more depth than Weigl, Kimmich, Can, Goretzka, Havertz, Dahoud, Geis, Arnold? I don't think so.
I think France is looking like they will have more attacking super-stars, but Germany will be pretty similar to what they are right now. Its very close, but I usually will give the advantage to the team that I think has better goalkeeping, defense, depth in defensive positions. Its kind of like what a Juventus vs. Real Madrid Champions League final would look like.