Julien Laurens discusses the importance of Antoine Griezmann, who is often undervalued, to Atletico Madrid.

Antoine Griezmann, the second striker for Atletico de Madrid and France, found himself on the bench before the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona at the Civitas Metropolitano Stadium on March 17, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.

According to TNT Sports expert Julien Laurens, Griezmann is a special player who is often underestimated due to his versatility, defensive work-rate, and technical ability. Despite winning the World Cup and numerous titles with Atleti, Laurens believes that people fail to appreciate just how special Griezmann is.

Laurens highlighted Griezmann’s unselfishness and hard work for the team, exemplified by his tackle against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League. He also praised Griezmann’s technical skills, creativity, and his exceptional left foot.

Furthermore, Laurens emphasized Griezmann’s ability to adapt and play in various positions on the pitch, excluding defensive positions. He mentioned that Griezmann can play as a six, a second striker, a lone striker, or even within the midfield three. Laurens believes that Griezmann’s versatility, combined with his football intelligence and left foot, make him a great player.

Laurens acknowledged that Griezmann has been underestimated throughout his career, both at the national team and club level. He speculated that this might be due to the success of the French national team and Atletico Madrid, where Griezmann has played a crucial role. Laurens argued that Griezmann’s absence from these teams often leads to a significant decline in performance, highlighting his importance and quality as a player.

Laurens also mentioned the special relationship between Griezmann and Atletico manager Diego Simeone. However, he believes that other attacking-minded managers, such as Pep Guardiola, Roberto De Zerbi, and Jurgen Klopp, would also appreciate Griezmann’s talents. Laurens urged fans to appreciate Griezmann while he is still playing in Europe, as there are few players like him with his array of qualities and work rate.

In conclusion, Griezmann’s versatility, defensive work-rate, and technical ability make him a special player who is often underestimated. Laurens believes that people fail to appreciate his skills and the impact he has on his teams. With his impending move to MLS, Laurens encourages fans to enjoy Griezmann’s talent while they still can.