When Franck Ribery was ruled out of the 2014 World Cup with a back injury, there was a feeling of disbelief and disappointment in the French camp. The FIFA Ballon D'or nominee was an integral part of France's qualifying campaign, scoring six times and providing 12 assists.
Not surprisingly, France manager Didier Deschamps was willing to wait till the last minute to allow the star Bayern Munich winger to recover in time for the tournament.
However, he conceded a few days ago hat Ribery would not feature for Les Bleus, adding, "He had to come to a complete stop during sprint exercises after feeling serious pain. Everything led us to conclude that it is impossible for him to resume training within a few weeks, let alone play a match".
France now needed someone who could fill in for one of the best players in the world.
Enter Antoine Griezmann. The 23 year old winger has had a terrific season with Real Sociedad in Spain, scoring 16 goals. He has since played a number of friendlies for France, scoring in the most recent games versus Paraguay and Jamaica.
Griezmann was born Macon, near Lyon.
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| Antoine Griezmann was the top scorer for Real Sociedad last season |
He was rejected as a youngster by Lyon, considered to be too frail. Instead, he joined UF Maconnais, where his father was a coach. He was subsequently spotted by Real Sociedad in a tournament organised by Paris Saint Germain.
Being French, and learning his trade in Spain, Griezmann's style reflects football from both countries-Spanish touch and passing, with French flair.
Antoine Griezmann will be a direct replacement for Franck Ribery on the left side of the French attack,with Karim Benzema through the centre and Mathieu Valbuena on the right.
Based on his performances in the friendlies versus Paraguay and Jamaica, Griezmann looks a sure starter for Didier Deschamps' side.His superb left foot and finishing ability, which was plainly visible in his goal against Paraguay(In the video below), will be a more direct option to Ribery's mazy runs. Being left footed, he tends to go down the line more, but he supplements that with an eye for goal.
Griezmann's strength lies in his movement. He gets into scoring positions and evades defenders easily, just like Ribery.
Though Ribery's injury is a big blow for France's World Cup hopes, Antoine Griezmann is a very capable replacement who can turn matches, and will be invaluable to his team. He is the future of French football, and Deschamps, as well as French fans, will be hoping he can replicate his club form on the biggest international stage.
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