At the World Cup in Qatar, Messi, who scored five goals and had three assists, was ranked first in both the scorers and assists. If anyone else can surpass Messi in attacking statistics this World Cup, it is only France's midfielder Griezmann.
As of the semifinals, the first place in the list of key passes (creating chances) in this World Cup is Griezmann with 21 times (Messi is second with 18 times); On the list of great opportunities, Griezmann is ranked first with 7 times (Messi is second with 6 times).
In addition, in the assist list, Griezmann is also tied for the top spot with Messi with 3 assists; His 16 successful crosses also ranked first in this World Cup.
Although France's qualification to the final could not be separated from Kylian Mbappe, who scored five goals, and Giroud, who contributed four, the real and offensive playmaking core of the Gallic Roosters is Griezmann, who ranks first in all four offensive passing statistics.
Debuting as a winger and later scoring goals in both shadow striker and centre-forward positions, Griezmann originally came across as a good goalscorer, a great striker.
At the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the 23-year-old Griezmann made his first appearance for France in the World Series. Although he hit the post twice in five games as a substitute and failed to score a goal, his excellent possession and precise passing ability have shown his talent.
Sure enough, at the 2016 European Championship in France, Griezmann, who scored only one goal in the group stage, exploded in the knockout stage. In the quarterfinals with a 2-1 victory over Ireland, he scored twice; In the quarterfinals 5:2 victory over Iceland, he scored one goal and two assists; After beating Germany 2-0 in the semifinals, he scored again.
France scored nine goals in four knockout matches, seven of which were directly related to Griezmann.
Although France missed out on the trophy in overtime in the final against Portugal, Griezmann won the Player of the Year and Top Scorer awards with six goals.
It is worth mentioning that from the knockout stage of that European Championship, France coach Deschamps changed the formation to the 4231 that he uses the most often, placing Griezmann in the front position, which became the most important factor in activating Griezmann.
Physical, well-positioned and excellent passing footwork, Griezmann's technical characteristics are on full display in the French team, although they are completely different from the position they play in the club.
At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Deschamps continued to put Griezmann in the front position. The manager's trust and support has been richly rewarded, and while the figures of three goals and two assists are not so eye-catching, Griezmann's role in the team's attacking tandem is huge, and he is a key hub for the smooth operation of the French team's midfield.
What's more, in fact, Griezmann's 5 goals in that World Cup were actually precious to the French team that finally won the Hercules Cup.
France's first goal of the game came Griezmann's penalty, which opened their opening game with a 2-1 win over Australia.
In the knockout stage, Griezmann turned on "Rampage Mode" again. In the quarterfinal, he narrowly beat Argentina 4-3, and he opened the scoring on penalties; In the quarterfinals 2-0 victory over Uruguay, he contributed a goal and an assist; In the semi-finals 1-0 against Belgium, France's goal came from his corner assist.
In the final match with Croatia, Griezmann scored a penalty, breaking the deadlock on the field for France and laying the foundation for the team's eventual victory.
If the biggest contributor to France's World Cup victory in 2018 is undoubtedly Griezmann, the core of the midfield. It's just that the goals of Mbappe, who came out of nowhere, were too amazing, stealing the reputation and attention that should have belonged to Griezmann.
Compared to the smooth sailing of his national team career, Griezmann's performance since moving to Barca in the summer of 2019 is quite average.
Unable to have unlimited firing rights as he did at Atletico and playing in the front half of the national team, Griezmann, despite making more than 40 appearances for Barca in two seasons, did not play well and did not particularly impress.
Even after returning to Atletico, Griezmann's playing time was limited because the financially strapped Atletico Club did not want to trigger the loan buyout clause.
Barca's contract on loan to Griezmann to Atletico stipulates that as long as Griezmann plays more than 50% of matches during the two-year loan period and plays more than 30 minutes per appearance, Atletico must buy him out in the summer of 2023 for 40 million euros.
However, Griezmann's days of playing like this are finally over this season. Barca made concessions on buyout fees, with Atletico re-signing 31-year-old Griezmann for €24 million.
Now, judging by Griezmann's performance at the World Cup in Qatar, Atletico's deal is definitely earned.
And his long-term experience with La Liga iron-blooded team Atletico Madrid makes Griezmann's role in the defensive end also benefit the French team.
Especially in the World Cup, the three major French midfielders Pogba, Kante and Matuidi were all absent due to injury, and Griezmann's role changed from a purely attacking front to an all-round midfielder who has to participate in both attack and defense.
Griezmann has made 11 successful tackles and 6 tackles, as well as 5 clearances in this World Cup, and has contributed a lot on the defensive end. In addition, he regained possession of the ball in the attacking third division six times and was a very effective first line of defense for the team.
Pogba, who was absent due to injury, gave Griezmann a new name after the semi-finals - "Griezmann Kanter".
With such comprehensive defensive stats, it's hard to imagine Griezmann being able to deliver such an impressive offensive performance in Qatar.
Compared with Messi, who only needs to be responsible for the attack after changing to midfield, the French No. 7 has been upgraded from the core of the offensive organization to the core and hub of the entire team's attack and defense.
'Anthony [Griezmann] has vision, is willing to run, feels good on his feet, has good fitness, has a high ball intelligence and can definitely play in the trailing position." Obviously, Deschamps' judgment and tactical arrangement of the love general is completely correct.
Retiring from striker to midfield, Griezmann has also transformed from a world-class striker to a world-class star.
It is necessary to respond to the center forward, connect the two wings, and actively retreat to make up for the gap in the defensive line, and in the midfield position can do all these things well, looking at the world football today, there is probably only Croatian veteran Modric.