Kounde explains why team-mate Griezmann has thrived as a midfielder for France

Antoine Griezmann has been impressing for France in an unfamiliar midfield berth at the World Cup, with the attacker filling a deeper role. 

​Atletico star used to playing up topHas dropped deeper at Qatar 2022Versatility being put to good use

WHAT HAPPENED? The 31-year-old has forged his reputation as a lively frontman, allowing him to grace the books of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona while claiming a global crown with his country in 2018. Les Bleus are, however, blessed with an abundance of forward-thinking options, and that has led to Didier Deschamps deploying Griezmann as a creative playmaker in Qatar.

WHAT THEY SAID: The proven performer has caught the eye in a new position, with international team-mate Jules Kounde telling RMC Sport when asked if such success has come as a surprise: “Surprised? No, because I think he is a player who has a technical quality that allows him to do well in all positions. He is not used to playing in this position but I think he did it very well. He’s a player who has the characteristics to make the effort for the team and it’s even more highlighted in that position with some of the returns from the tackles. It needs adjustments but he’s intelligent enough and the coach has discussed a lot with him.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Griezmann has helped France to back-to-back victories over Australia and Denmark in the Middle East, with the defending champions already safely through to the last16.

IN TWO PHOTOS:

WHAT NEXT? Deschamps’ side have one more Group D outing against Tunisia to come on Wednesday, with his star-studded outfit in the enviable position of being able to rest and rotate in that contest.

 

 

Related Post
Share
Published by

Recent Posts

Irfan Pathan opens up on India’s playing 11 changes for ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels the Indian fast bowlers would be tired ahead of… Read More

July 31, 2025

Dhruv Jurel’s childhood coach reveals Gautam Gambhir’s inspiring chat with wicket-keeper ahead of 5th ENG vs IND 2025 Test

With Dhruv Jurel all set to replace injured Rishabh Pant in the fifth Test match… Read More

July 31, 2025

Ravichandran Ashwin backs Ravindra Jadeja to bat at no.5 in 5th Test against England

Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin feels Ravindra Jadeja can bat at number five in the… Read More

July 30, 2025

Aakash Chopra lauds Shubman Gill’s century in ENG vs IND 2025 4th Test

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has showered praise on captain Shubman Gill for continuing… Read More

July 30, 2025

Shubman Gill rates Manchester hundred as most pleasing ahead of 5th Test against England

Former Indian captain Shubman Gill has rated the Old Trafford century as the most pleasing… Read More

July 29, 2025

Brad Haddin backs England to win final Test match against India in Anderson-Tendulkar series

Former Australian wicket-keeper bat Brad Haddin has backed England to win the fifth and final… Read More

July 29, 2025