Antoine Griezmann put on a brilliant performance when helping the French national team win 2-1 over Croatia in the 2020-2021 UEFA Nations League continuation. In this match, Griezmann even contributed one goal.
Before entering the international break, Griezmann actually received a little criticism from his coach at Barcelona, Ronald Koeman. The Dutch passport coach considered that Griezmann could not take advantage of the opportunity well against Sevilla.
The match against Sevilla ended in a 1-1 draw. However, according to Koeman, Griezmann should be able to score goals because the former Atletico Madrid man is considered one of the best in the team.
“Because of his quality, he has to score one of the two (opportunities) he has,” Koeman said at a press conference after the match against Sevilla, as quoted by Marca.
Unlike when defending Barca, Griezmann actually became a star when wearing the French national team. As if to insult Koeman, Griezmann also explained that in the French national team he played in a position that made him comfortable.
According to Griezmann, the French national team coach, Didier Deschamps, knows how to maximize his potential. Therefore, Griezmann can play better and take advantage of the opportunities he gets perfectly.
“I think it was one of my most beautiful goals. I tried to shoot well, I gave everything (when I kicked) and if the ball goes to the stands it doesn’t matter, “Griezmann said of his goal against Croatia.
“I feel good. The coach knows where to put me. So I take advantage of the situation, this position and from the trust of the coach and teammates, “continued the 29-year-old player.
Regarding Griezmann’s position, in the French national team he is usually placed as an attacking midfielder. Usually, Griezmann is placed right behind the striker to support attack. He feels that this is the most comfortable position to play.
Meanwhile, at Barcelona, Griezmann was instead placed as a winger. Thus, his playing position became wider. When Barca was still handled by Quique Setien, Griezmann was often placed as the left winger. Now with Koeman, Griezmann plays in the right winger position.
