Once deemed small and frail, Antoine Griezmann lead France`s charge as Euro 2016 topscorer

New Delhi: Leading the Euro 2016 Golden Boot race with four goals, France's Antoine Griezmann has asserted his claim as one of the most sought-after forwards in the game. Once rejected by French Ligue 1 giants Lyon for being too small, Griezmann's career was salvaged by a scout for Spanish league side Real Sociedad, Eric Olhats. The versatile attacker was taken to Spain in 2005 and continued his development at the Basque club.

With the Spanish league already featuring some of the smallest, yet the most skillful players like Lionel Messi and Adreas Iniesta, Griezmann`s 1.75 metre height and phsysical stature was never considered a weakness.

Griezmann made 200 appearances for Real Sociedad before switching to Atletico Madrid for 30 million euros in 2014.

As per Lyon`s chief scout, Gerard Bonneau; the club`s failure to sign Antoine Griezmann was "a historic mistake."

With World Champions Germany next, the Atletico Madrid forward faces a stern test to guide hosts France in the final of the European championship.

Euro 2016 Golden boot standings -