Once rejected for being too small, Antoine Griezmann is now France’s biggest danger man

AS a youngster, Antoine Griezmann’s passion for football was so strong he could be spotted interviewing himself in mock post-game scenarios. But constant doubts surrounded him and nearly shattered his dreams.

France's forward Antoine Griezmann was once branded ‘too small’ — now he’s one of the world’s biggest stars.

REJECTED for being “too small” in his home country, dynamic Antoine Griezmann has sensationally silenced his doubters to become France’s go-to forward and golden boy.

The Atletico Madrid star, who’s being chased by Barcelona and Premier League clubs, enters Russia 2018 as the reliable forward surrounded by an emerging but internationally unproven batch of youths.

While the majority of the Socceroos have had to deal with rejection along their respective journeys, Griezmann’s path was not paved with gold.

Listen to our football experts Tom Smithies and David Davutovic preview the Socceroos’ opening World Cup clash with France for Another Football Podcast.

Despite his exquisite skill and appetite for the game, where he started playing as a youth and developed such a passion that he was spotted interviewing himself in mock post-game scenarios in the backyard, there was a constant doubt among French clubs that shattered his dream.

“The clubs and coaches always said I was too small and that I had to wait (for my chance),‘’ Griezmann said.

“I trialled for around eight clubs but no team wanted me in France. Then Real Sociedad came. I was 14 when I arrived at Real, I started playing with them and at 18 I started training with the first team.

Griezmann (R) shares a laugh with France teammate Paul Pogba. Pic: AFP

“Then I played a friendly match, and from there I kept growing. Yes there were times when it was very difficult, other times it did not matter.

“What I remember is that I always wanted to learn fast and learn to become a footballer and try my luck in professional football.”

Standing at 176cm, Griezmann, 27, is now one of the world’s most feared, complete and versatile forwards.

Antoine Griezmann has blossomed at Atletico Madrid. Pic: AFP

Despite a rocky start, Atletico Madrid had helped him develop and his Euro 2016 performances indicate that he’s ready to shine in Russia.

“He’s a very efficient player and is excellent technically,’’ France coach Didier Deschamps said.

He has few weaknesses with his heading superb for his size — Griezmann’s skill, pace, passing ability and most importantly his finishing are his assets.

“When I’m close to the penalty area, that’s where I feel more comfortable,” he said.

“I want to keep growing and be one of the top players in Europe and win trophies.

“I needed a club like (Atletico) and a coach like Diego Simeone to progress. I always demand intensity in training, it’s my style and I like it.”

Griezmann, who’s netted 20 goals in 54 Les Bleus games, could start upfront or in a deeper role with Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud (head) under an injury cloud.

Meanwhile, thirty years ago France’s football bosses opened a football factory, and its production line has barely stopped since.

France's forward Kylian Mbappe reacts after a goal during a training session. Pic: AFP

Teen star Kylian Mbappé will attack the Socceroos defence on Saturday night as the latest graduate from the vaunted Clairefontaine youth academy that has spawned imitations around the world.

When the English FA finally set up its own elite youth centre in 2012 it was closely modelled on Clairefontaine, a visionary idea when it was first opened in 1988.

Technically it is just one of several such elite centres around France run by the French FA, but the fact that it covers the region around Paris, as well as its list of alumni, means it has acquired an almost unparalleled status.

Graduates of what is essentially a finishing school for brilliant young footballers have included Nicolas Anelka, Louis Saha, Blaise Matuidi, Olivier Giroud and France’s all-time leading scorer, Thierry Henry.

Thierry Henry (L) is another graduate of French football’s finishing school. Pic: AFP

The timing of its opening was auspicious, for French football underwent something of an identity crisis shortly after, failing to qualify for both the 1990 and 1994 World Cups.

But that crisis also became an opportunity, with the decks cleared for a tranche of new talent that within four years led France to victory in the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championships.

Henry, for instance, was a 13-year-old arriving at Clairefontaine in 1990; eight years later his three goals helped his country become world champions.

Interestingly, Australia has recently abandoned its own version, the scholarship programme at the Australian Institute of Sport which in the past produced stars such as Mark Viduka, Mark Bresciano and John Aloisi.

Instead the A-League clubs have their own academies, leading a more fragmented regime. The effects of such a move will only become clear years down the track.

- with TOM SMITHIES