France playmaker Dimitri Payet has stressed the importance of Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba to the team as they prepare to try their luck in the round of 16 at Euro 2016.

Payet has been in scintillating form for Les Blues in France so far, having scored twice in the first two matches and hitting the woodwork in their final group match against Switzerland.




His performances have earned him praise, with his West Ham team-mates taking time to salute the Frenchman, whom they expect to take his form into the Olympic Stadium next season.

The man himself though feels that it would be wrong for the French support to be counting on him only during the later stages of the tournament as their two top players, Pogba and Griezmann, are expected to rise to the occasion.
 


"No, it's not me. People will still talk about Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba", Payet told UEFA's official website.  

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"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."

Speaking about his own accomplishments in the tournament, the 29-year-old said: "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 can still get better. If I was going to be picky, then I would say to myself that my shot that hit the bar against the Swiss shouldn't have hit the woodwork – it should have gone in."