Antoine Griezmann is not guaranteed his place in the France team, admits Didier Deschamps

Antoine Griezmann is not guaranteed his place in the France team after his drop in form for Barcelona, admits manager Didier Deschamps

  • Antoine Griezmann’s place in France team is not a given, says Didier Deschamps
  • The Barcelona forward has scored 32 goals in 81 matches for his country
  • But has struggled for form of late and is yet to score for LaLiga giants this season

Antoine Griezmann’s place in the France team is not a given, according to manager Didier Deschamps.

The Barcelona forward has scored 32 goals and supplied 21 assists in 81 matches for his country but has struggled for form of late.

Griezmann notched 15 goals in 48 appearances for the LaLiga giants last season but is yet to open his account this campaign. 

Antoine Griezmann’s place in France team is not a given, according to boss Didier Deschamps

The Barcelona forward, who scored 15 goals last campaign, has struggled for form of late

The Barcelona forward, who scored 15 goals last campaign, has struggled for form of late 

Deschamps has conceded that Griezmann’s impressive record for France does not ‘guarantee’ him a spot in the starting XI.

‘I know you’re looking at the last game, but look at his stats: 81 caps, 32 goals, 21 assists. It speaks for itself,’ he said ahead of France’s clash against Croatia on Wednesday night.

‘It doesn’t guarantee him anything, like some other players who could have done better against Portugal. I know his talent and what he can give to the team.’

France and Portugal played out a 0-0 stalemate on Sunday evening with Griezmann playing just behind strikers Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud. 

Griezmann joined Barcelona in a £108million deal last year but is reportedly frustrated at being asked to play out wide by new manager Ronald Koeman and would prefer a more central role alongside Lionel Messi. 

Deschamps claimed last week the striker was ‘unhappy’ with his playing role at the Nou Camp. He has been utilised on the right with Messi and Philippe Coutinho playing through the middle and Ansu Fati on the left.

Deschamps conceded Griezmann's solid record for France does not 'guarantee' him a spot

Deschamps conceded Griezmann’s solid record for France does not ‘guarantee’ him a spot

‘Antoine’s position, I can talk about it with him, we’ve done it for a while,’ Deschamps added.

‘I know very well where he’s the most effective, the most influential. It’s in a central position obviously. 

‘He lacks rhythm, you know why. So, he needs a bit of time, he was much better in the second half compared to the first one. He’s an attacking player but, as he runs a lot, sometimes he’s an offensive midfielder.’ 

Griezmann played in France's 0-0 stalemate against Portugal in the Nations League on Sunday

Griezmann played in France’s 0-0 stalemate against Portugal in the Nations League on Sunday

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