Paul Pogba compares Antoine Griezmann to N’Golo Kante following his France team-mate’s stunning reinvention as a box-to-box midfielder at the World Cup… while insisting a second straight title is ‘near’ for his country after semi-final win over Morocco
Paul Pogba has likened Antoine Griezmann to N’Golo Kante after the reinvented France midfielder covered every blade of glass in their World Cup semi-final win over Morocco.
Griezmann has enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance out in Qatar this winter, playing a crucial part in France’s run to a second successive World Cup final – where he will lock horns with Lionel Messi – while flourishing in a newfound box-to-box role.
The Atletico Madrid star, a renowned second striker or wide forward before this tournament, has been one of Les Bleus’ standout men after being remodelled in a deeper midfield position.
Paul Pogba has compared France team-mates Antoine Griezmann (L) and N’Golo Kante (R)
Pogba made the comparison on Instagram after Griezmann’s superb display against Morocco
While his attacking qualities are no secret, Griezmann has shown a different side of his game in the Middle East, often sprinting back into France’s own half to help thwart opposition attacks and win the ball back for his side.
In their 2-0 semi-final win against Morocco on Wednesday he was outstanding; making a total of seven defensive contributions – two tackles, two interceptions, three clearances and one block – a statistic which was only bettered by defenders Jules Kounde and Ibrahima Konate on the night.
It has been a remarkable reinvention for Griezmann in Qatar, and injured midfielder Pogba believes he is emulating their France team-mate Kante.
He wrote on Instagram: ‘Griezmannkante.’
The France star has flourished as an unlikely box-to-box midfielder at this year’s World Cup
He produced a man-of-the-match display against Morocco to help France reach another final
And Pogba believes Griezmann is emulating their dynamic team-mate Kante out in Qatar
The Juventus star also expressed his excitement at the prospect of back-to-back World Cup triumphs, writing: ‘It’s near’.
Pogba was not the only one to compare Griezmann 2.0 to energetic Chelsea midfielder Kante, with Blues legend Didier Drogba also saying as much while on punditry duty for BBC.
‘Antoine Griezmann has surprised me but he has the intelligence and quality to do it,’ Drogba said.. ‘He looks more like Kante than Griezmann!’
Alan Shearer was also impressed with Griezmann, saying: ‘He’s a super talent, a really clever player who reads the game really well. When you think of the players they’ve got missing, him and Aurelien Tchouameni were fantastic on the defensive work.’
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