Thierry Henry has singled out a fellow Frenchman as “the most underappreciated player in the game,” without a doubt.
The ex-Gunner and current coach of France’s U-21 squad is gearing up to lead at the forthcoming Olympic Games in Paris.
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Henry’s Olympic lineup will mainly feature young stars under 23, with the option to bolster the team with three veteran players.
Le Parisien has indicated that Henry is eyeing selections of Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud, and Antoine Griezmann for his squad.
In a recent conversation with the publication, Henry extolled Griezmann, who has just concluded an impressive run of 84 consecutive games by withdrawing from the national team lineup.
“We must not forget Griezmann, who reminds us that hard work is a talent,” Henry said.
“Griezmann is by far the most underrated player in existence. We often talk about Kylian, so much so that I am even in favour of abusing him. But Griezmann… look at his passes and his goals.”
One might say that Griezmann’s impact on the national team hasn’t been fully recognized.
His pivotal involvement in the 2018 World Cup victory and his exceptional performance as Atletico Madrid’s forward, leading to France’s finals appearance in Doha four years later, are testament to his significant contributions.
Henry added: “Tell me who in history could play all four offensive positions like him? There aren’t many. Grizou is one of them.”
It remains uncertain if Griezmann will participate in the Olympics for France, yet he is eager to see it through.
“I haven’t talked about it with the coach but it would be a dream for me,” he told reporters.
“If I’m called up, I’ll put extraordinary pressure on them to let me do it. It’s a dream, it’s a goal, it’s in France, it’s representing France. The Olympics. Everyone watches them.”
He added “I want it and it would be a dream to be able to experience it.”
Atletico Madrid is reportedly hesitant to allow Griezmann to join the Olympic squad for the games in July and August, as per RMC Sport.
Griezmann, at 32, holds the distinction of being the fourth-leading scorer for France, netting 44 goals in 127 appearances.
