Editor / 05 July 2009 Free Bet

Having churned out world class players for fun since the mid-90s, it looked as though France would dominate international football for a decade.

Led by the finest player of his generation, Zinedine Zidane, the likes of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires seemed to turn whatever they touched into gold, for both club and country. However, a World Cup and European Championship double in 1998 and 2000 was followed by a tame effort in Korea and Japan in 2002 and a shock exit to Greece at Euro 2004.

The joy of making the final of the World Cup two years later in Germany was soured by the ignoble sending off of talisman Zidane and a penalty shootout defeat to Italy. Then, last year's abysmal showing at Euro 2008 seemed to indicate that the golden years had finally come to an end. With Zidane retired and Henry, Vieira and Pires all in the twilight of their career, France will now be looking to a new breed to carry the torch.

Coach Raymond Domenech somehow survived last summer's debacle but remains under pressure with France trailing Serbia in their World Cup 2010 qualifying group by eight points, albeit with two games in hand (France [1.91], Serbia [2.0] to win Group 7). Barring disaster, France should be assured of a place in South Africa next summer but if they are to go with any serious intent of challenging ([22.0] to win tournament), then it will require several key players to peak in form.

Karim Benzema

With his explosive power, instinctive flair and venomous shot, the 21-year-old striker has been touted by some as the closest thing to the original Ronaldo. With not quite the prolific strike rate of the Brazilian legend, Benzema has managed just over a goal every two games for Olympique Lyonnais in what is a notoriously low-scoring French Ligue 1.

Linked for a some time with a move to Manchester United, Benzema this week transferred to his club of choice Real Madrid for around £30m, which, given the amounts the Spanish giants have already spent this summer, seems rather reasonable for a player with as much potential as the Frenchman. In a side clearly geared towards bombarding opposition defences with attacks from all angles, Benzema is sure to have plenty of opportunities to score freely and this may be the season that sees the young forward take off and secure silverware at the highest club level (Real Madrid [2.2] to win La Liga, [5.9] to win Champions League next season).

While totally different in approach, Benzema has inevitably been compared with Zidane - given their shared Algerian heritage - and the French squad may look to Benzema in the same way they did Zizou to inspire them to World Cup glory.

Franck Ribery

At only 26, Ribery has more than his fair share of clubs, having moved six times since 2001, staying no longer than two seasons as any one team. Now openly pushing for a move away from current club Bayern Munich, the midfielder has been strongly linked with moves to both Real Madrid and Chelsea for a fee believed to be in the region of £50m.

A traditional-style winger comfortable on either flank, Ribery provides relentless energy with his runs and is invariably able to create a chance out of nothing with a flash of brilliant skill. He deserves to play in either the Premier League or La Liga and given an opportunity to shine at a major European club, would also benefit his country. Able to make an impact alongside Zidane in Germany 2006, Ribery was unable to take on the extra responsibility in his absence at Euro 2008, and like all of the key players in the French squad, looked decidedly impotent. However, should he get his way and secure a move to Real Madrid or Chelsea ([3.5] to win Premier League, [8.0] to win Champions League in 2009/10) then Ribery may gain the impetus to help make up for last summer's embarrassment and lead the way as one of the squad's senior players.

Yoann Gourcuff

With the same tall, lean physique, as well as his graceful style of play, Gourcuff is perhaps the most Zidane-like of the fresh crop of French talent. On the radar of most of Europe's major clubs as a teenager, the youngster made a move to AC Milan in 2006 but struggled to gain sufficient first team action in a squad that read like a who's who of footballing greats.

A loan deal back to France with Bordeaux last season finally gave the 22-year-old a run of games that enabled the midfielder to showcase his talent. Under the managerial guidance of World Cup winner Laurent Blanc, Bordeaux clinched the Ligue 1 title to break seven seasons of dominance from Olympique Lyonnais and much of this was down to the impact of Gourcuff, who was crowned Ligue 1 Player of the Year.

A permanent deal with Bordeaux has since been signed and both player and club can look forward to Champions League football next season (Bordeaux [3.5] to retain Ligue 1 title and [200.0] to win Champions League). Now a regular starter for the national side, coach Domenech has entrusted Gourcuff with a key role in the formation and, while the boots of Zidane are impossible to fill, the signs are that the Girondins playmaker can go some way in filling the void left by the great man.

Mamadou Sakho

At just 17, Sakho captained his side Paris Saint Germain on his debut, making him the youngest player to ever lead a side in Ligue 1. A prominent player at various stages of France's youth set-up, the powerful centre-back had advanced to senior level well ahead of schedule. In the mould of the versatile Lilian Thuram, the defender is just as proficient down the flank as he is in the heart of defence and, having started off as a striker, is equally comfortable going forward with the ball.

With current French centre-backs William Gallas, Eric Abidal and Jean-Alain Boumsong struggling at club level, the opportunity may arise for Sakho to step up to the full team should he continue to progress at PSG ([10.0] to win Ligue 1 2009/10). Rumoured to be subject to interest from Arsenal, it may be too soon for him to be exposed to the rigours of the Premier League and Champions League just yet and he has claimed he will remain at the Parc des Princes next season. However, while experience will be vital in South Africa, a little youthful vigour and enthusiasm added into the mix from the 19-year-old may provide a recipe for success.