Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have long dominated the world of football, but former Barcelona striker David Villa has made the surprising assertion that Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann is now on par with the duo. Villa also tipped his former side for a Liga and Champions League double, although he did note the difficulty of the task.
When asked by Marca if Griezmann was comparable to Messi and Ronaldo, Villa replied in the affirmative, saying “Yes. At the highest level you have to analyse things in a certain way, with all the different players, but Griezmann is one of the best players right now in world football. For the things that he's doing, the focus he has.”
“I have a lot of friends in the dressing room and they are amazed by him, as a person and a footballer. He's young, he has a long future as a forward and has massive potential.”
Griezmann was moste recently in the limelight when he scored a brace to dump Barcelona out of the Champions League, after Fernando Torres had scored a precious away goal in the first leg. Villa noted the uptick in Torres’ form, saying “Torres is a fighter and a winner.”
“Whenever people have tried to say things about him that aren't very good, he's responded on the pitch, he's never liked to make claims off it, and that's why I'm not surprised [by his form]. I know him, I know his work rate and his capability and I'm happy for the form he's in. I hope he keeps it going for as long as possible.”
Villa is positive about Atletico’s Liga and UCL chances
David Villa spent a single season with Atletico Madrid, lifting the La Liga trophy and reaching the UEFA Champions League final where they lost out to rivals Real Madrid. The Spaniard notes the similarities in the campaigns and tips Atletico to go farther, saying “It's been a fantastic campaign, maybe more similar to my year, because they have the chance to win the double.”
“La Liga doesn't depend on them, Barca are a fantastic team and I'm certain they'll win all their remaining games. But I'm sure Atletico will win them, too, and will hope for a slip-up. In the Champions League, Bayern are a very difficult opponent, one of the clear favourites before the tournament started, but Atletico are very strong in a two-legged tie.”
“Hopefully it will be this season, but if not, with the path they've been on in the last few years, lifting the Champions League won't be far away.”
