Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet has hailed France team-mate Antoine Griezmann as one of La Liga’s top talents.
Griezmann has already confirmed he is to leave Atletico Madrid this summer, with a big-money transfer to Barcelona expected to be tied up soon.
Lenglet, who could make his senior France debut in Sunday’s friendly against Bolivia in Nantes, has acclaimed Les Bleus team-mate Griezmann ahead of that clash.
“Griezmann is one of the three or four best players in La Liga,” Lenglet told a press conference.
“He is a star and he has been in the competition for several years. He has scored many goals every season.
“He is the star of Atletico and also one of the great figures of the league.”
Lenglet admitted to being star-struck by linking up with the France squad and the chance to meet one of his heroes, manager Didier Deschamps.
France boss Deschamps was the defensive linchpin when Les Bleus lifted the World Cup trophy on home soil back in 1998.
Fast forward 20 years, and Deschamps was the driving force off the field as Paul Pogba and company stormed to glory in Russia.
Now that he is part of the senior set-up, Lenglet revealed his pride at having the chance to work so closely with his national team boss.
“He’s a living legend of the France team,” Lenglet told France’s official website.
“The captain of the team that won the first World Cup, and then the manager of the team that won the second World Cup.
“It’s a pleasure to be working with him.”
While France are gearing up for Euro 2020 against Turkey and Andorra later in June, Bolivia’s meeting with Les Bleus represents their final preparations before the Copa America.
Bolivia’s group stage battles could hardly open with a tougher encounter as they face Brazil on June 15.
Provided by Press Association Sport
