Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has shared a new nickname for Antoine Griezmann after the France star’s sensational run of form at the World Cup in Qatar.
Griezmann, who completed a permanent transfer back to Atletico Madrid in October, has played an integral role for France en route to the final against Argentina.
Despite an ill-fated spell at Barcelona, France manager Didier Deschamps retained faith in Griezmann and started him in all but one World Cup match in Qatar.
Griezmann has picked up three assists in the tournament so far and delivered show-stealing performances against the likes of England in the World Cup quarter-finals.
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The 31-year-old Atletico forward played the full 90 minutes against Morocco as defending World Cup champions France secured a 2-0 win in the semi-finals.
Pogba, who has missed the World Cup due to a knee injury, took to Instagram on Wednesday to laud Griezmann after France punched their ticket to the final.
The ex-Manchester United midfielder compared France teammate Griezmann to N’Golo Kante, who also missed the World Cup, by giving him the nickname ‘GriezmannKante.’
One fan wrote: “Kantoine Griezmann?”
Someone else posted: “Beautiful role Griezmann has been running and running throughout the tournament. Reminds me of Deschamps himself.”
While another simply added: “Respect.”
And one fan tweeted: “Which he excels in, I love this new Griezmann. Hard work mixed with talent ‘n’ I can say [he’s] a contender for player of the tournament.”
Deschamps has praised Griezmann for excelling in his hybrid midfield role and believes the 2018 World Cup winner has shown why he is an “elite player.”
Speaking ahead of France’s win over Morocco, he said: “Yes, he’s [Griezmann] had a great tournament, but we’ll need him to be just as good [on Wednesday].
“He’s the type of player who can really change a team because he’s so hard-working and so technically gifted. He’s playing [a] slightly different role in this World Cup, but it suits him well.
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“He likes defending just as much as attacking and being a playmaker. Of course, his main responsibility isn’t ball-winning; his left foot is so wonderful, he creates chances for others.
“He’s someone who always thinks of the team above everything else. He’s extremely hard-working, probably more so than most players.
“He’s been an elite player for 10 years now. Of course, he’s gone through challenging times like any player, but he’s mentally very strong.
“Like all world-class players, he’s at his best in the most important games.”
World Cup title holders France face off against Argentina on Sunday in the final at the Lusail Stadium, with kick-off slated for 3pm UK time.
Topics: Antoine Griezmann, France, Football World Cup, Paul Pogba, Football
Adnan Riaz