Germany/Denmark 2019 - France's 16 players and managers' ratings

Cyril Dumoulin:
Such an unfortunate and terrible injury during the bronze medal match. Beaucoup de courage mon ami ! Wishing you a speedy recovery following your cruciate ligament injury. He did not play a lot during the tournament. Not enough time under his belt to get his full confidence back. Saves usually made in the same corner. Always very friendly with the fans. Had on average a 15% save rate against the big teams and low 20% against lower ranked opposition.



Vincent Gerard:
Capable of stratospheric perfornances (his first half vs Brazil) but also a 0% save rate against Denmark in the semi-final. It worked in Cologne when I whispered bonne chance to Vincent Gerard. He actually got the Man of the Match award that day against Iceland. It did not work though when I refrained myself from uttering a word.


Guillaume Gille:
A lot of smile. Not sure if as much has the final say on tactics etc. Should he not lead France and work with brother Bertrand or with Jerome Fernandez? The single re-union day in Hamburg was not a very happy one.


Didier Dinart:
Unfortunately as a manager he does not hold / have the same authority as in defence. He is not taking 'time out(s)' when required. The goals conceded with the empty net strategy after we had scored : this is down to players and managers. We lose and win together. He is understood to have given playing time to keep ever to knos yone happy ; but this is not always the best recipe for success against skilled and vastly experienced teams such as Denmark.


Adrien di Panda:
Tried his best vs Croatia notably in the first half but was unfortunately easily beaten against most teams.


Timothey N'Guessan:
Scored the vital goal vs Germany in the preliminary round to earn a 25-25 draw. Not enough playing time. Maybe due to the lack of variety in his goals as well?



Luc Abalo:
Ten years ago he would score 8 goals on average on key matches. When pace is required, he is very handful and useful as it turned out with his pass on min59.57 seconds for the 'min59.59 seconds' goal by Nikola Karabatic to clinch the third place at the expense of Germany in Herning. His wing was not used as much as we should. He also made a couple of mistakes. Opposition players start to know his tricks.


Valentin Porte:
Things outside the handball world must have affected him as a human being.

I saw a Valou who was looking sad, almost lacking interest. It hurts. I am concerned. Concerned about what we should expect. Animo Valentin ! However, during the rest days or when staying at the hotel with the players he seemed a tad more cheerful.


Michael Guigou:
News spread about a possible Nimes poaching. Such a bombshell during the tournament seems to have strirred the best from him. A winner with a professional attitude. I do not know his relationship with the group. But he deserved to be captain in the absence of injured Sorhaindo. He likes chatting with the fans. Despite his recent published statements, his performances remain outstanding whether at club or country level.


Luka Karabatic:
Has improved in his role but both his defensive and offensive moves are not always successful, well-timed against tricky opponents. Of note he has duties on both sides of the field. It can become a bit tiring at times. Has a few tricks off his sleeve himself. Viran must have given him a few tips when they train together in Paris.
What happened with the betting scandal should not be neglected but it is also irrelevant to a player's assessment. Anyone can make some mistakes, however big/grave they were. He is so friendly though. Would need to check the stats but his stats at the Euro in Croatia and at the World Championships in France must have been better than this time around in Germany/Denmark.



Nikola Karabatic:
He was not meant to be fit. Replaced his injury-hit mate Cedric Sorhaindo. He is influential for the team's spirit. He has not scored many goals. He tried his hardest at times. He greeted me with very nice words and friendly gestures including a large smile whilst in Berlin. He also made Noelia Quero's day in Herning extra special as she got to meet him again! His mum can be proud as the French fans sang 'Merci Maman' after one preliminary match in Berlin.



Nicolas Claire:
Had an early exit from the tournament as he was withdrawn from the group following the injury to Cedric Sorhaindo and Melvyn got the nod instead.


Romain Lagarde:
I like him ; he is young, calm, hungry and impressive when he jumps. And evidently when his defense is on song.



Kentin Mahe:
We loved his Dad. But he is better than his Dad. It's most probably Evelyne's favourite player ever.



Melvyn Richardson:
We adored his Dad. But he is better than his Dad. Top man! Equally impressive during the match and after the match. He was the best French player in Germany. His shot variety and efficiency were awesome. The future is bright with this humble gifted gem.



Mathieu Grebille:
He appears very quiet on the international stage away from home. Not sure why.  He is also very friendly but one does not know how to approch him sometimes. His shot efficiency in the preliminary round (group stage) in Berlin was very impressive.


Cedric Sorhaindo:
I made him laugh when I took a picture of him in Berlin. Was not at his best but got seriously injured. He watched his mates from the bench when he was not using his phone or answering questions from the Spanish journalists.



Dika Mem:
His movement towards the goal appeared less selfish than during some matches in Croatia last year. Some of his goals especially during Week 1 were really important to avoid further disappointment / setbacks for the team.



Nedim Remili:
He did not have the opportunity to shine. When he was on the field he did not always have his usual very good shot efficiency unlike in the French league and some Champions League matches.



Ludovic Fabregas:
His parents were very nice in Porec : they gave me photos of their son for the fellow supporters. He is so fair play and honest. He also contributes offensively and defensively massively. I really like him. Like Melvin I saw him play in the juniors conpetitions and I was always impressed.
Top man as well ! He will enjoy his time in Barcelona.


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