Diego Simeone has hailed Antoine Griezmann as a “very complete” player ahead of Atletico Madrid’s trip to Las Palmas in La Liga on Sunday.
Griezmann has been reinvented as a central attacker by Simeone after arriving from Real Sociedad as a left winger, following up with another 16 goals this season, and his Coach feels his growth into a ”man“ has been the key to his development.
“When we signed Griezmann, he played on the left, but I always saw him as a player who needed absolute freedom,” he said at a Press conference.
“He knows how to hurt opponents very well, has many qualities and is very complete.
“He has added consistency to his game, is now a man on the pitch, with his effort, shows that talent is important but nothing without hard work.
“[On the transfer ban], I’ve been told that the club will appeal [the decision].
“I’m focused on [Sunday’s] game. This situation won’t wear me down because what interests me at the moment is that things go well.
“Anything can happen, but until the situation becomes clearer after the appeal, I can’t make any further comment.
“Both Jackson [Martinez] and Luciano [Vietto] are doing a great job with their back to goal.
“Fernando [Torres] plays further forward and needs more space [to run into].
“What is clear is that being closer to the box will allow our forwards to take advantage of any situation they wish.
“Hopefully our forwards can find more goals in the second half of the season.
“Griezmann complements many players and has played very well with [Mario] Mandzukic, Fernando, Jackson and Luciano.
“Luciano’s characteristics are similar [to Griezmann’s], while Jackson plays more in the box.
“[On striker Borja Baston, currently on loan at Eibar], we’ll manage his situation accordingly.
“He’s an extraordinary guy, very competitive, scores goals and behaves in a very professional manner.”
