DOHA, Qatar — You may find it quite difficult to follow Antoine Griezmann now. The France international is a “9.5” wearing the number 7, but is playing as the number 8 at World Cup. Still with us?
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The 2018 World Cup champion started his career as a wide attacking player for Real Sociedad, so he likes the number 7 on his back. He made a name for himself as the second striker for Les Bleus and Atlético Madrid, so playing as a “9.5” – something that combines a central defender and a playmaker right behind the striker. Now French coach Didier Deschamps is reinventing Griezmann for the national team as a more authentic midfielder – a number 8.
It is remarkable for Griezmann that he has been able to make this new position his own and shine as he has shown in this World Cup. Deschamps also deserves credit for coming up with the idea, meticulously planning it, and making it a success.
“You know, you’re going to be a great organized midfielder,” Deschamps told Griezmann, one of his favorite players on the team, at breakfast about two years ago. “I think you have everything to be a great No. 6.”
They both laughed, but the idea never left the manager’s mind. We don’t know, and may never know, whether Deschamps is right and Griezmann can control midfield well as a number six, but the idea has evolved into using him in the midfield position. No. 8 position is more active when the wave of injuries hits the national team before the 2022 World Cup. No Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante and Corentin TolissoDeschamps increasingly believes that Griezmann could be the solution.
Deschamps explains: “He has everything to play deeper: vision, working speed, touch, energy, intelligence. To him, it was a man without a mind.
According to an ESPN source, the idea is for Griezmann to mimic the evolution of Bernardo Silva under Pep Guardiola at City of Manchester. The Portugal international, 28 years old, 31 years younger than the French player, but they have some similar qualities. Bernardo sometimes plays in the next 6 or 8 position Rodri for Man City, and has proven to be excellent in midfield, so why can’t Griezmann take on the same role?
The Atletico star was ready immediately. He may refuse or pout about being pushed further away from goal – especially after scoring four goals to help France win the World Cup four years ago – but he doesn’t need to be convinced. Perhaps, deep down, he knows he is more than capable of playing in the midfield.
“I’m quite free in this new role. I have to be the bridge between defense and forward. I have three players in front of me, so there are more options, so it’s easier for me. “, Griezmann told reporters last week. “The head coach likes to discuss with the players, knows how you are feeling and then he will find the best balance for the team. We are figuring that out.
“I feel physically fit, which is helping me in this new position. I know the team needs me to play deeper, more central. I think I’ve put in good performances so far. So I’m very happy.”
The key to this new Griezmann’s success is his relationship with Deschamps. He said of his manager: “I owe him everything for the national team. I give everything for France, for the shirt but also for him. And I’m trying to do everything possible. I can let him always believe in me. Every step, every game is like a ‘thank you’ that I send to him. I want him to be proud of me.”
Their relationship is truly special. Deschamps has now played with Griezmann in France’s past 71 games. That’s an incredible record; The previous mark held by Patrick Vieira was 44 consecutive games.
With the new position, Griezmann’s influence in the team is also growing. He’s always been one of the leaders, but now playing at the center of the team means he’s even more important both on and off the pitch. On it, every passage passes through him (and very often ends with Kylian Mbappe). In addition, he is the DJ of the team, he is the joker, always smiling, always in a good mood, always talking and always encouraging.
Obviously, Deschamps thinks he is indispensable. Griezmann has shown himself as such, even if at times his performances with France were marred by poor form at club level during his two bad years playing for France. Barcelona. Now, back at Atletico, he is happy again. He is enjoying his football again, especially in this new position. Griezmann was up for the challenge, and he overcame it.
