Euro 2016

Dimitri Payet: 'I'm not France's best player'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 21 June 2016

France playmaker Dimitri Payet insists that Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba remain the team's best players despite his string of impressive displays at Euro 2016.

France midfielder Dimitri Payet has insisted that he is not his side's best player despite a string of impressive performances at Euro 2016.

The West Ham United playmaker scored late goals in France's opening two group games to help seal a place in the last 16, before rattling the woodwork in a cameo appearance against Switzerland.

However, despite being one of the standout performers in the tournament so far, Payet believes that the likes of Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann remain his side's most important players.

"No, it's not me. People will still talk about Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba. We saw them in the game against Switzerland, and they are the ones to be counted on. We need those two players. They can guide us through and deep into the competition," he told the official Euro 2016 website.

"Since the start of the tournament I have felt really good. I am feeling confident and that's allowed me to play without pressure and to put in good performances. In all honesty, the goal that will really stick in my mind is the one I scored against Romania. It was a really difficult game and the goal came in the final minute, so it was really a great relief. It will remain one of my most unforgettable memories.

"I've come a long way. A few months ago, I was far from certain to play in the tournament. When things are going well on the pitch, it is because I know I have the coach (Didier Deschamps) behind me. The fact he has won everything going is the advantage that he brings us. He knows exactly what it takes to win, as he has been there before and we know how precious his advice is, and how much more so that will be as the tournament goes on."

France will take on the third-placed team from either Group C, D or E in the last 16.