Life After Griezmann: France’s Challenge Without Their Playmaking Star

Antoine Griezmann’s retirement from international football marks the end of an era for France. His remarkable career, spanning 137 caps and 44 goals, has left a profound impact on Les Bleus. As the team prepares for their Nations League fixtures against Israel and Belgium, Griezmann’s absence raises significant questions about the future dynamics of Didier Deschamps’ squad.

Griezmann: A Pillar of French Football Success

While Kylian Mbappé has often stolen the spotlight, Griezmann has been the quiet linchpin of France’s success. With 91 wins to his name—second only to Lilian Thuram’s 93—Griezmann was a consistent performer for France in major tournaments. His tactical flexibility allowed him to excel as both a forward and a playmaker, contributing to France’s 2018 World Cup win and the Euro 2016 final.

Griezmann’s ability to adapt to different roles made him indispensable to Deschamps. In the 2022 World Cup, he transitioned from his attacking duties to a deeper midfield role, proving his versatility once again. His 84 consecutive appearances from 2017 to 2023 highlighted his importance, and his absence in a March friendly against Germany ended in a 2-0 defeat, a telling sign of his influence.

Beyond his goals and assists, Griezmann’s vision, work rate, and tactical discipline were the cornerstones of France’s gameplay. His partnership with Olivier Giroud was particularly effective, with Griezmann assisting five of Giroud’s international goals. His contribution in major tournaments, with 11 goals across 36 World Cup and Euro appearances, cemented his legacy as one of France’s all-time greats.

Filling the Void: France’s Tactical Evolution

With Griezmann gone, France must rethink their approach. The immediate challenge for Didier Deschamps is twofold: finding leadership in Griezmann’s absence and maintaining tactical adaptability. Griezmann’s ability to control the pace of the game, provide crucial assists, and score at pivotal moments is irreplaceable, but new stars must step up.

Captain Kylian Mbappé’s recent injury leaves a leadership gap alongside Griezmann’s absence, and the upcoming Nations League matches will test the resilience of this French side. France’s attack currently lacks a double-digit goalscorer, with players like Ousmane Dembélé and Randal Kolo Muani having only six goals each for the national team.

Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku, who is enjoying a strong season with seven club goals, is yet to score for France, but he could play a key role moving forward. Didier Deschamps has also brought in young talents like Michael Olise and Manu Koné, signalling a tactical shift that could see France adopt a more dynamic, versatile approach.

A New Era for Les Bleus

The upcoming matches against Israel and Belgium will be critical in assessing how France adapts without Griezmann. Deschamps will need to strike a balance between his pragmatic, results-driven approach and embracing the youthful talents now emerging. The integration of these players, alongside the tactical adjustments required to fill Griezmann’s void, will shape the next chapter for Les Bleus.

While Griezmann’s retirement leaves a significant gap, it also opens the door for a new generation to rise and carry France forward. The key question now is whether Deschamps can harness this potential and maintain France’s competitive edge in the absence of one of their greatest-ever players.

Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.