Antoine Griezmann is smiling again. Disappointed to have been relegated to substitute status against Poland (1-1), the Atlético de Madrid player did not appreciate Didier Deschamps’ decision to rest him. This new episode also fueled rumors of a downgrade of the Colchonero by DD. Against Belgium, no controversy. The French number 7 was back in the starting eleven, but not in midfield.
Griezmann has therefore made headlines again, because his coach’s tactical choice has sparked a debate. Did DD reposition his player higher up so as not to have to take off a starter, in order to please his striker and midfielders? Was France playing in a 4-4-2 with Griezmann behind the Mbappé-Thuram duo or was it a 4-3-3 with the Madrid player repositioned on the right wing? The first seconds of the match confirmed the second option. A decision that may have surprised since Griezmann does not really have the profile of a supersonic winger capable of setting fire to opposing defenses. That is what happened. In order to try to have a minimum impact on the game, “Grizou” had to refocus. Because on his right wing, the boss was Jules Koundé.
Deschamps delighted with Griezmann’s match
Enough to frustrate the vice-captain of the Blues? “I learned this morning (his position), but I am at the service of the coach and the team. We adapt. That’s what’s important. Being able to play everywhere, sacrifice yourself for the team. Here, in this group, we have quite a few. It’s a pleasure to play with this locker room. Sacrifice, that’s going to be badly taken. The coach told me to play here, I played here. I don’t ask him why he puts him on the bench or in the eleven. No matter where I play, I’m going to give it my all. He knows where I like to play, I know too, but as long as I’m on the field, I’m always going to give everything for the team and this coach who has a lot of confidence in me.”he confided to the microphone of beIN Sports.
Share your answer
Image generation in progress
Ready to sacrifice himself for the group, Griezmann even had a top match according to Deschamps. “There was not the slightest doubt in my mind to start him. Afterwards, it was a question of balance. There is always the possibility of having one or two players. I know Antoine. It is a position that he regularly occupies with his club. He was very interesting with the ball, even if he could be even more efficient. In the grid of the field, if Koundé had such a match, it is thanks to him. He is someone intelligent, when there is a big match, I know that I can count on him.” This should delight the main interested party, even if he has not been spared by the choices of his coach these last two matches.
