Why are La Liga's top forwards struggling to score goals this season?

#2 Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)

Are Atletico Madrid too reliant on Antoine Griezmann?

Goals in La Liga: 2

“When he scores goals, the team has a great chance of winning. But when he does not score, obviously it’s more difficult.

“We have to divide this responsibility, which is not the sole responsibility of Griezmann.” - Diego Simeone

At least Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone admits he needs more than one goalscorer if they are to win matches, let alone trophies. After 11 games, Antoine Griezmann is third in the Rojiblancos' goalscorers list - behind Angel Correa (4) and Yannick Carrasco (3).

Griezmann's season started in the worst possible manner - a red card in the opening fixture against Girona. But since then, he has only scored one 'crucial' goal - the winner against an unlucky Malaga side - the first goal at their new home, the Wanda Metropolitano.

Despite having taken 22 shots on goal, the French forward has only two goals to his name. He is getting into good positions and he is able to get a shot off when he can.

However, his lack of goals is not because he has been wasteful; it's just that he hasn't been clinical enough. He has had 12 shots on target already with three others blocked.

Antoine Griezmann's shot chart in La Liga (Image courtesy of Squawka)

But what he has lacked in the goals column, he has made up for with his chance creation. No player in the Atletico squad has created more chances than Griezmann (15). Although a forward with a keen eye for goal, his hold-up play and decisive passing are sometimes overlooked.

Which is why Simeone is right when he says he needs more goalscorers. And judging by their five draws in 11 fixtures, he needs match winners too.

7 - Griezmann is seven games in a row without scoring, his worst streak as an Atletico Madrid player. Drought. pic.twitter.com/YBJZCwE44H

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 4, 2017