World Cup 2022: World Class Griezmann Praised by France Coach Deschamps

• Antoine Griezmann received praise from his coach Didier Deschamps for evolving his game
• The French manager also highlighted Griezmann's strength of stepping up in major clashes
• Griezmann is France's all-time top assist maker and has aided three goals in Qatar this year

Antoine Griezmann is one of France's most important players, since he made his debut for Les Bleus in February 2014 under current manager Didier Deschamps.

The Atletico Madrid forward has come in handy in several positions for France, including being the leading striker, attacking midfielder, winger and a central midfielder.

He is currently slotting into the midfield alongside Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot, in absence of Paul Pogba and Ngolo Kanté, both of who are missing due to injury.

Griezmann has stepped up effortlessly in the role, connecting the midfield to attack with his work-rate and passing, which had drawn praise from his manager.

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What Deschamps said about Griezmann

Deschamps won the World Cup as France captain in 1998, and 20 years later led his country to their second title as manager in Russia in 2018.

Griezmann has been central to everything Les Bleus has achieved under Deschamps and this has led him to praise the player as world-class, as posted by UEFA Champions League on Twitter.

''Griezmann has been an elite player for 10 years now. Like all world-class players, he is at his best in the most important games,'' he said.

France will play Morocco later today in the second semi-final match of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, for a place in the final where Argentina is waiting.

The 31-year-old, who charged his teammates at half-time to inspire them to the win over England, will be key again if Les Bleus are to reach the finals, as reported by Evening Standard.

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Griezmann was celebrated as his country's all-time top assist provider after the win over the Three Lions, where he provided the assist for the winning goal for Olivier Giroud.

Griezmann: no goals in Qatar

Griezmann is yet to find the back of the net in Qatar, bar a disallowed goal against Tunisia that would have been the equaliser in the 1-0 loss to the Carthage Eagles.

Sports Brief earlier reported that the France Football Federation lodged a complaint with FIFA, seeking explanation as to why the goal was disallowed.

The former Barcelona star is tied with Messi on three assists, despite having not scored in Qatar, which underlines his importance to Les Bleus.