Antoine Griezmann

Coauthored by Jeremy Roth and David Talpalar

i-1(Courtesy of ESPN)

Griezmann can be categorized as one of the French New Guard; one of the new up and coming players who looks to be with the team for years to come.  Griezmann absolutely roared onto the scene in the past couple of years, only making his debut for country in 2014, but since then he has already been capped 26 times, scoring 7 goals in the process (ESPN). He seems to be, without a doubt, a crucial member of the French XI this summer.

Although he has German ancestry, Griezmann grew up in a French family. He has played all of his professional football abroad, in Spain. He started for Real Sociedad before making a big money move to Atletico Madrid in 2014. It was this move that sparked his career, both at the domestic and international levels. In 69 games for the Spanish side, Griezmann has struck a remarkable 42 goals. He is the danger man that all opponents must watch out for when they play a Madrid side that is very compact defensively, and relies heavily on Griezmann’s attacking creativity. Atletico is currently competing in the Champions League semifinals and is in second, behind Barcelona only on goal difference, in La Liga, and they have Griezmann largely to thank.

For the French, Griezmann looks to slot in on the wing, or as a second striker, second only to Giroud in the sense that Giroud will likely play more often with his back to goal as Griezmann picks up knockdowns from his strike partner. Although his goal tally for France is not at the same level as it is for Atletico Madrid, the best is yet to come from this quick, composed, tricky striker. He seems a real threat and potential game changer for France this summer–the country’s success may very well ride on Griezmann’s individual success at Euro 2016. And judging by his successes against both Barcelona and Real Madrid, the French may be in luck this summer.

Griezmann silences the Bernabeu with a great strike into the bottom corner (YouTube)

Griezmann can score with both his feet and his head (YouTube)

How to cite this article: “Projected France Starting XI at Euro 2016” Written by Jeremy Roth and David Talpalar (2016), European Cup 2016 Guide, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/tournament-guides/european-cup-2016-guide/identity-and-the-french-national-team/notable-players-in-the-projected-french-squad-with-african-heritage/antoine-griezmann/ (accessed on (date)).