Griezmann: The man for the big occasion takes World Cup by storm
Who would have thought last June that Antoine Griezmann would be so essential to the French national team's game? He had been worn out and was a shadow of his former self to the point where, even though it was once out of the question to leave him on the bench, his role could only be that of a substitute, finishing off matches.
The return of Karim Benzema just before Euro 2020 did not do 'Grizou' any favours. His position on the field was less suitable for him and the lack of influence largely contributed to the elimination in the round of 16, in addition to tensions within the group, with the downgrading of Olivier Giroud and the place taken up by Kylian Mbappe.
His start to the season was marked by a clause out of nowhere in his loan deal from Barcelona to Atletico Madrid limiting his appearance time.
Platini + Zidane
And then Benzema's body started to creak. The simple muscular overuse turned into an injury and a tactical reconfiguration. The recent good performances of the Mbappé-Giroud partnership, an unlikely turn of events when the two men were at odds during the Euros, convinced Didier Deschamps to take advantage of Griezmann's style of play to rebuild his system. The 3-man defence, which never convinced, was over. The return of the four-man defence has offered more stability, with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot, who have also impressed, bringing technical quality and projection. The whole team looks good but lacks the link between the midfield and the attacking trident. And who else to fill that role than Griezmann?
It was a very good opening game for the Colchonero against Australia, leaving no doubt that this would be his team, leaving the solo role to Mbappé. Even if he has not yet scored at this World Cup, he is no less decisive. He has made three assists, two of which were against England, and his influence on the game is reflected in the numbers. His ability to defend, to make others play and to understand the meaning of the game is the keystone of this team.
And what is often castigated when he wears the Rojiblanco shirt becomes admired with the blue shirt. In World Cup knockout matches, Griezmann has been involved in 14 goals, either as a scorer or as an assistant. By way of comparison, you have to add Michel Platini (5+1) and Zinedine Zidane's (7+1) totals together to equal him! And that's without forgetting that at Euro 2016, his record was 5 goals and 2 assists.
Put in the best conditions, no matter what his position, Griezmann always makes the difference. The mark of a great who should be considered as such, right at the top of French football.
