Diego Simeone Describes Griezman As The World Best Player

Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone, while reacting on who he expects to win the 2018 FIFA Best Player, stated that his team forward Antoine Griezman, should be awarded the honour.

Simeone further stated that the era of Real Madrid, Barcelona dominating the spanish football is over.

He claimed that the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo in Real Madrid has place Atletico at the same level with the Champions League current holder.

The Atletico coach, also claimed that he has the best goalkeeper in the world, Jan Oblak, adding that Real Madrid new goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois if he had been in his team would not be a starter because Oblak is better.

He told El Partidazo de Cope, “From the results we aren’t worse than Madrid or Barca, from the individual characteristics of our players, yes.

“Without Cristiano we have approached Real Madrid level, for sure.”

“He hasn’t had an explanation World Cup winner, Super Cup, Europa League, second in LaLiga, best player in the (World Cup) final,” he stated.

“In this past year, he was the best in the world. It is a pity. We do not underestimate ourselves to think that it is because he plays for Atletico, it will be a lack of imagination of people who choose.

“Obviously, it disappoints a little. But it’s clear that Griezmann was the best last season.”

Griezmann signed a new deal with Atletico in June through to 2023 despite reported interest from Barcelona, a move Simeone insists he never expected to happen.

“I swear on my kids that I never saw us losing him,” he said. “I never saw him at Barcelona. I always felt like he would stay.

“Oblak is the best and at least in the top three keepers in the world,” Simeone insisted. “Courtois would not be a starter at Atletico. Oblak is better.”