Antoine Griezmann, one of the world's best players, given a low rating on FIFA 18

What's the story?

French striker Antoine Griezmann is considered one of the best football players in the world behind the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, so it was surprising for many football fans when he was given a FIFA 18 rating of 88. He even led the French national team to the Euro 2016 final. Manchester United were even willing to go all out to bid for the 26-year-old.

In case you didn't know...

Griezmann had finished runner-up to Messi and Ronaldo in the race for the Ballon d'Or in 2016. He also shares the same rating with Bayern Munich stars Arjen Robben and Thiago. Although he was on United's radar, Atletico Madrid were banned from signing any players until the New Year, hence Griezmann ended up staying in Madrid.

The heart of the matter

What makes it even more upsetting for Griezmann's fans is the fact that Robert Lewandowski and Manuel Neuer were given a rating of 91 and 92 respectively. Even Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini is rated higher than the French striker, while Chiellini's Juventus teammate Paulo Dybala has been given the same FIFA rating as Griezmann.

Griezmann's FIFA 18 ratings

What next?

Regardless of rating, one can be sure that Griezmann will be a popular pick among fans due to his iconic celebration, something that he himself admits is the reason why people pick him in their squad.

Author's Take

Griezmann is the kind of player who is a team player and plays with incredible technique, vision and possesses a quality finishing touch. He has also been regarded as a threat to any opponent in any game that he plays. He is also described as quick, modern, and versatile with the capability of occupying several offensive positions in or behind the main attacking line, due to his technical skills, ability to drop deep and link-up play between the forwards and midfielders, or score many goals: he has been deployed as a main striker.

He can even operate as a central attacking midfielder or a winger and he is still lethal either way. Griezmann is known for his accuracy with either foot from both inside and outside the area, and is also good in the air and accurate with his head, despite the fact that he is just 5 foot 9 inches.