In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda recently, Malouda jokingly stated that although he would not be voting, he hoped that the Atletico Madrid forward would win the coveted award. “Haha, I will give him but I don’t vote for it. I hope he is not depending on my vote. But on a serious note, it was pleasing to see a fellow French player performing the way he did.”

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Malouda also went on to talk about Griezmann’s impact on the French lineup and hopes that along with Paul Pogba, the duo would help raise the level of football in France. “He gave so much pleasure to France at the Euro 2016.”

“He is always playing well and scoring goals which is nice to see. It is good that a French young player is playing so well and is amongst the top three players in the world. Last season, it was Paul Pogba and this season it is Griezmann.

“So for us, French people, it’s a great feeling as he is also the future of the national team,” he added.

The former Chelsea midfielder who signed for the Delhi Dynamos last season also opened up about Olivier Giroud’s role in Les Bleus. “I think he didn’t disappoint France at the Euros. But I think there was a debate in the media which placed Benzema and Giroud as opponents. But I feel when you are playing for the national team, its good to have both players in the team.”

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The 36-year-old also feels that pitting players against each other often has an adverse effect on the team. “We should not put any player against another fellow player. I will play with both.”

“Giroud is the target man and both can play together as well. Both are good assets for their team. I would love to have Giroud in Delhi Dynamos (laughs). Any team would love to have a player like him who helps his teammates.”

Malouda, who will captain the Dynamos for the upcoming version of the Indian Super League, hopes his side can put on a show for the fans and go all the way to the title.

Delhi opens their campaign against Chennaiyin FC on 6 October.

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