Antoine Griezmann has proven this year that he has everything it takes to end with that Ronaldo vs Messi constant rivalry, it has been over 8 years since we haven't seen a player who is good enough to surpass them both at a talent level and title wise. But this time, it looks like finally Antoine Griezmann has what it takes to wow the world and become the best player in the world. France teammate Blaise Matuidi is convinced that regardless of next Sunday's result in the final, Griezmann has a very good chance of winning the Ballon d'Or to Ronaldo.
He told reporters that: "I think [Griezmann] is a credible candidate for the Ballon d'Or with what he's done this season and in this competition," he told a news conference at France's Clairefontaine training base. If I had to vote, I would vote for him. It's exceptional what he's done. I hope it continues. To see a player of this talent - not all the nations have players of this talent - I am very happy to have such a player with us."
"Ronaldo too, he deserves it, he had a strong season and is going great in this competition. After, we will see. I think Antoine, if you asked him today, the first thing he has in his head is the French team and to be the champion of Europe. It's not a match between him and Ronaldo, it's a match between France and Portugal."
But for Matuidi, there is another player who caught his eye: "Sanches is a player that I discovered playing at Benfica. I spoke with one of my team-mates, David Luiz, who knows him. He said, 'Hey, look at this player, he's exceptional - he's only 18'. I watched him at a match and he surprised me. His technical qualities are excellent and I am not surprised to see him like this in the Euro because of his performances in the Champions League. He is a player with a big, big future. I hope he will do a little bit less in this game."
Photo credit: Equipe de France