Goals win you games and, more often than not, the goalscorer is deemed the hero. In the case of defending world champions France, they genuinely wouldn’t tick the same were it not for the influence of Antoine Griezmann.
The French will contest the FIFA World Cup final against Argentina on Sunday and if Griezmann puts in the same level of performance as he has done of late, it could well steer Les Bleus to back-to-back world titles.
While Kylian Mbappé and Olivier Giroud have been the main source of goals for their nation at Qatar 2022, France simply wouldn’t be able to reap the rewards were it not for Griezmann.
His stellar work rate, quick feet, range of passing, and high energy levels make him one of the most elite athletes in world football and he has certainly put his talent on display at the showpiece event in the Middle East. His durability, particularly with national team, is another attribute in the making of a modern French hero.
With so much attacking prowess in Didier Deschamps’s ranks, together with a substantial injury crisis ahead of the World Cup, Griezmann has seen his position altered to a much deeper role in midfield though he has taken to the tweak with grit and determination.
Without the talented, experienced, and World Cup-winning pair of N’Golo Kanté and Paul Pogba, Griezmann has remarkably emerged as the solution to supplement the fragile midfield pairing of Aurelien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot.
Griezmann created both goals against England in the quarter-finals, most significantly a cross from deep which Giroud nodded in, twice putting France in front and ultimately seeing them into the semis.
Antoine Griezmann’s game by numbers vs. England:
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 10, 2022
100% tackles won
100% aerial duels won
88% pass accuracy
58 touches
38 passes completed
3/3 long balls completed
2 key passes
2 assists
Magical. 🪄 pic.twitter.com/ozgVVjkyMF
Griezmann caused real havoc for Gareth Southgate’s men and, all in all, he was the decisive component in sending the French through to the last-four.
Most recently, he was arguably the best player on the pitch in the semi-final tie against Morocco, deservedly scooping the prize for Player of the Match. The 31-year-old stands among the best and most consistent performers throughout this tournament and he is in contention for the Golden Ball award.
Antoine Griezmann’s game by numbers vs. Morocco:
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 14, 2022
81% pass accuracy
48 touches
6 ground duels won
4 key passes
3/4 crosses completed
3 clearances
2 interceptions
2 tackles won
1 big chance created
Popped up in the right place every time. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2VJbxHn4SU
The clash with Morocco was Griezmann’s 73rd consecutive game for France, a run stretching back to August 2017.
Overall, he has featured 116 times in French colours. Only four players – Hugo Lloris (144*), Lilian Thuram (142), Thierry Henry (123), and Olivier Giroud (119*) – have earned more caps with Les Bleus.
Griezmann has scored 38 goals for France, three behind Michel Platini; only Olivier Giroud (53) and Thierry Henry (51) are ranked above them.
Yes, he has three assists to his name (the joint-most at the tournament) however, it’s not the goal involvements which have elevated Griezmann as a standout player in Qatar.
So far he has created the most big chances (7) and also made 21 key passes (averaging 3,5 per game), which is more than any other player at the tournament in both categories. Most impressively, Griezmann has seamlessly taken on his additional defensive duties and he is proving pivotal for France in all areas of the pitch.
Being overshadowed by the prodigious talent of Mbappé means Griezmann’s influence largely goes under the radar. If he is afforded the chance and the space to pull the strings on Sunday, there is a great chance France will retain its crown.
Griezmann is currently priced at a generous 9.00 to claim the Golden Ball and, although he does not match the goal returns of Mbappé nor Lionel Messi, he is firmly in the running to be named player of the tournament. (Bet365)
France and Argentina are inseparable, as per the bookies, with both teams priced 2.80 to win the World Cup final and become three-time champions of the world. Odds of 3.00 for the contest to end level and be decided on penalties. (Bet365)
(Cover photo: Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)
