Antonie Griezmann - not Kylian Mbappe - is "key" to France's World Cup hopes, according to Diego Forlan.
The former Manchester United star, who helped Uruguay reach the last four in South Africa 12 years ago, believes the Atletico Madrid star is the key cog for Les Blues, who are spoilt for choice in the attacking third. Mbappe is the headline name in their starting XI and scored in the final four years ago.
The PSG star is among the world's leading lights, but Griezmann's role in assisting the team and linking play is seen as "fundamental". The 31-year-old, who is playing at his third World Cup, is yet to score but helped France win their opening two games in Qatar.
Forlan told L'Equipe: "I like Griezmann a lot because he is a player who perfectly connects midfielders with forwards. He has a very important role in the team. For me, he is the key player for France. Even if people don't see the Griezmann from before, he is having a very good World Cup. I repeat myself, but Griezmann is the fundamental piece of this France team."
Mbappe has scored three times for Les Blues, who are eyeing a third World Cup in less than three decades. The team were dealt a blow just days before the tournament started after it emerged that Karim Benzema, the current Ballon d'Or winner, would miss out through injury.
They've copped impressively though and were without the Real Madrid man when they triumphed in Russia four years ago. Griezmann and Mbappe were crucial on that occasion and will now need to negotiate a last-16 contest against Poland.
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Didier Deschamps has warned against complacency with the team's big hitters set to return after being rested for the final group game against Tunisia, which was a dead rubber for the French and ultimately won by the Africans nation.
"It's not a team we're used to meeting," he told FFF TV. "They have experienced players. Obviously, if there is one name to stand out, it's [Robert] Lewandowski, he's one of the best strikers in the world. But it's not just him, it's a team that has good organisation, a good athletic presence. We have three observers here who are following them closely, we will have all the details. Don't underestimate this team."
A France win would set-up a potential quarter-final with England, who must negotiate a contest with Senegal on Sunday night. The Three Lions and Les Blues haven't met at a major tournament since the opening game of Euro 2012, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
