Antoine Griezmann is arguably Europe’s most potent striker at the moment and France’s success in the tournament hinges on the Atletico Madrid star.
The Frenchman has been in scintillating form throughout the season with Atletico, scoring goals at a prolific rate and coach Didier Deschamps will be counting on the No.9 to reproduce in the same manner he does for his club side with Les Bleus.
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Role in the team
Griezmann carries a monumental responsibility on his shoulders for France. With Karim Benzema suspended, the 25-year-old will be entrusted to lead the line and assume the role of being the key striker and player for Deschamps. Some quarters may consider Paul Pogba unfortunate not to receive the recognition of ‘star player’, given he is the captain and one of the world’s most talented footballers. However, as alluded to due to Benzema’s omission, France lack a productive forward from a goals perspective and therefore his influence is of even greater significance.
The former Real Sociedad man is extremely dangerous on the break, indicative of how he plies his trade with Atletico. He has a wicked left-foot and is capable scoring in a variety of ways – from distance, in one-on-one situations, with his head and as a poacher. Despite being relatively inexperienced at international level, amassing 26 caps, Griezmann has the credentials to lead this team to success.
Antoine Griezmann has now scored 32 goals in 53 games across all competitions this season.
Brilliant campaign. pic.twitter.com/UQQG46nqs3
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 14, 2016
Recent form
After a promising career with La Real, especially during the 2013-14 campaign Diego Simeone’s men acquired the gifted Frenchman. Since moving to the Rojiblancos he has established himself as a highly revered player, and the recent season gone by is no exception. Griezmann netted an extraordinary 32 goals in 53 appearances over all competition this season, laying on a further seven assists in the process.
He could culminate a fantastic year even further by lifting the Champions League in Milan against cross-town rivals Real Madrid. His showings for France have been auspicious, irrespective of recording just two goals in his previous 12 matches, after slotting five in his first 14.
Conclusion
If Griezmann can live up to the huge expectations and perform on the biggest of European stages, not only will his stock rapidly rise, but he will provide Les Bleus the best chance of going as far in the competition as possible.
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