Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone, has said that Antoine Griezmann deserves to win the Ballon d'Or this year. He hailed the striker’s consistent performances in the past twelve months and believes that Griezmann can only get better.
The France superstar, who is maintaining his superlative form from last season, scored a brace in Atletico Madrid's convincing victory, as the Colchoneros overpowered Sporting Gijon 5-0, in last night's La Liga fixture.
In the post-match news conference, Simeone said that Griezmann's consistency made him one of the best players in the Europe, hailing the 25-year-old's goal-scoring spree.
"For me, last year Griezmann was the best player in Europe, I have no doubt about what I say. He reached the finals of both the Champions League and Euro 2016, scoring many goals, and scored many goals in La Liga too.”
“The consistency he has makes him stronger. I hope he is up there for the Ballon d'Or, as he is in great form, and will get even better if he continues like this."
It should be noted, here, that Simeone made no mention of either Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, who along with Luis Suarez are the front-runners for this year's trophy and are the likely favourites for the Ballon d'Or.
On his attackers finishing chances
The Argentinian, who recently re-negotiated the length of his contract at the Vicente Calderon, rued his side's missed chances in the previous fixtures.
"We've been making chances in all our games, [Kevin] Gameiro, Fernando [Torres], Griezmann have had pretty clear chances to score.That is normal, this is football, it happens."
However, he was quick to point out that in last night's match his team opened the scoring early as they finished their chances with ease.
"Today, quickly, the team found the way to goal. The truth is we are very happy with the collective performance of the team. They interpreted very well the start we needed, surprised them with a lot of people going forward."
Simeone on Atletico’s playing style
The Argentinian manager also spoke about his team's playing style and how they had gone on the attack right from the kick-off.
With new signing Nicolas Gaitan and Yannick Ferreira Carrasco on the two flanks and Griezmann and Kevin Gameiro starting up-front, the Madrid side started well, as they found space behind the opposition defence and capitalised.
"We played that from the start thinking that we would have the chance to find space behind them, with the pace of Griezmann and Gameiro up front. We did that very well."
Speaking about Gameiro's goal he said, "Kevin is doing very well, working hard, makes an effort. He has had chances in all his games. His goal today will give him confidence for sure."
Simeone also spoke on his contract situation, which now runs out in June 2018.
"It was emotional, it confirmed what I feel [for this club]. When someone goes with what their heart wants, they almost never make mistakes. And [I] have a squad and fans who support the decision."
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