Madrid: Diego Simeone hailed Antoine Griezmann as the best player in the world after the Frenchman’s double fired Atletico Madrid to victory over Club Brugge on Wednesday. Griezmann scored twice and set up a third for Koke as Atletico won 3-1 in the stadium they hope to return to for the Champions League final next year. Arnaut Groeneveld’s stunning long-range effort had pulled Brugge level shortly before half-time but Atleti, and Griezmann, were too good. “I said it last season and I’ll say it again — Griezmann is the best player in the world,” Simeone said. “He won the Europa League, World Cup, Super Cup and finished second in a league with Barcelona and Real Madrid.”
Lionel Messi, who was simultaneously tearing Tottenham apart at Wembley, may have something to say about that but there is no doubting Griezmann’s importance to Atletico. He has now been involved in 17 of their last 19 Champions League goals scored at home, chipping in with 12 goals and five assists. Those performances can only boost the French star’s hopes of winning the Ballon d’Or. “It’s not me who votes but I had a big season,” he said. “I’m very happy and proud of my season, there are still a few months to go so we’ll see.” This was Atletico’s first match at the Wanda Metropolitano in this season’s tournament, 241 days before they hope to walk out here again for the final on June 1.