I spoke a fair bit about the French left sided wing wizard last season. Along with many of his Sociedad team-mates he turned a lot of heads with some dazzling displays in La Liga.
As Sociedad made a point to punch above their weight, the likes of Griezmann and Carlos Vela gave defences a torrid time. Griezmann's gained a reputation of violating fullbacks, leaving them a confused mess, with their pants around their ankles over the course of last season.
Having stepped up in Franck Ribery's absence in France's opening match against a rabid Honduras team, performing brightly, 23 year old Griezmann's star is very much on the rise.
Inevitably his displays have caught the eye of many potential suitors, having been linked to PSG, Arsenal & Chelsea, you do feel it's just a matter of time before he leaves Real Sociedad.
What impresses me most about Griezmann apart from his obvious assets (dribbling, great close control & an eye for goal) is his intelligence. Traditionally having the instincts of a wide player, he's adept at hugging the touchline, committing players and getting into dangerous areas to put balls into the box. But like many a 'modern' winger he has instincts to get into goal scoring positions. Such is his footballing intelligence, Griezmann can & will act as an auxiliary-striker as & when the opportunity arises during a game.
I'll nail my colours to the mast and say I'd take the lad at Arsenal any day of the week, he excites me and there's an end product for all of his flair. Inevitably PSG are being linked with him this summer, but surely they'll have to sell before they entertain buying Griezmann, such is their embarrassment of riches in offensive positions.
How do you lot rate Griezmann?
Moist
Griezmann
posted on 18/6/14
Croatia not very good opponents? they have one of the best midfields in the tournament.
Last night he was far from lightweight. Gio dos Santos barely got a kick in the deep lying striker role.
posted on 18/6/14
Croatia not very good opponents?
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Ok they are pretty good (I forgot it was Croatia) but the rest still stands.
posted on 18/6/14
Perhaps I haven't seen enough of Griezmann, but I don't have this image of him as a great dribbler. I do rate his delivery and shot though. Agree he's an intelligent footballer too, and it's a very good point to make. Too often we tend to focus on physical abilities, but very often it's a good footballing brain that really makes the difference.
posted on 18/6/14
Khedira is a good physical presence, intelligent with his play too. I like the way he retains possession. The way that German midfield works and the players compliment each other is a brilliant. Efficient to the max, just to hammer home the German stereotype.
posted on 18/6/14
^^^ he is good friends with Ozil, did you see him go to Ozil when he was subbed vs Portugal.
posted on 18/6/14
comment by itsonlyagame (U6426)
posted 14 minutes ago
Perhaps I haven't seen enough of Griezmann, but I don't have this image of him as a great dribbler. I do rate his delivery and shot though. Agree he's an intelligent footballer too, and it's a very good point to make. Too often we tend to focus on physical abilities, but very often it's a good footballing brain that really makes the difference.
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I fully agree with this. I'd always heard great things about him, and dribbling was one of the assets that usually got a mention when people were waxing lyrical about him.
However, I've watched him 5 or 6 times now, and to be honest, I can't ever recall seeing him using pace or trickery to drive beyond his opponent and take a defender out of the game.
Like Walcott, he seems very much like a pass-and-move type wing-forward to me.
posted on 18/6/14
posted on 18/6/14
Why on earth do we want khedira, he isn't the type of player we require
posted on 18/6/14
Why on earth do we want khedira, he isn't the type of player we require
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I'd take him in a heartbeat. I'm not too sure about all this talk of Madrid looking to get rid though. Unless they get a similar type of player in.
posted on 18/6/14
Why on earth do we want khedira, he isn't the type of player we require
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Experienced German national, not injury prone (just one bad injury recently); tactically sound; direct and immediate upgrade of Arteta and Flamini.