The France international was in brilliant form for
the Colchoneros last term, and is coach has
backed him to challenge the pair's monopoly on
the Ballon d'Or.
Diego Simeone is convinced that Atletico Madrid star
Antoine Griezmann will soon be considered alongside
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as an elite player in
world football.
Ronaldo have held a monopoly over the Ballon d'Or
award for the past eight years, and the latter is favourite
for the prize this time around having won the
Champions League and Euro 2016, with Griezmann a
losing finalist on both occasions.
Griezmann nevertheless enjoyed a superb campaign
with Atleti last term, scoring 22 La Liga goals, and that
form saw him named on a three-man shortlist alongside
Ronaldo and Gareth Bale for the UEFA's Best Player in
Europe award.
Atleti has taken just two points from the opening two La
Liga matches, but Simeone reassured Griezmann that
the club is still challenging for major honors and that he
is capable of being recognized as the best in the world.
"[Griezmann] knows he is at a wonderful club which is
growing every day and a coach who wants him,"
Simeone told reporters at the launch of his new book.
"He is destined to be up there with Messi, Ronaldo, and
the best in the world."
Simeone's own future was in doubt following the
Champions League heartbreak, but he reassured fans
that he wants to be in charge when Atleti moves into a
new stadium next season.
"I'm happy," Simeone added. "We have a beautiful
stadium to enjoy from next year and I hope to be there.
When I saw it I could see why I'm still here. I am much
simpler than you think."
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