Atletico Madrid manager, has stated that his forward, Antoine Griezmann, should be awarded the FIFA Best Play of the Year.
Simeone also said that the era of Real Madrid, Barcelona dominance over Atletico in Spanish football had gone.
He pointed out that the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid put the Los Colchoneros at same level with the current Champions League holders.
The Argentine gaffer also said that he has the best goalkeeper in the world in the person of Jan Oblak, adding that Real Madrid new goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois would not be a starter at Atletico 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.”
In June, Griezmann signed a new deal with Atleti 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.”
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