Diego Simeone believes Antoine Griezmann has been the best player in 2018 ‘without doubt’ and never feared his departure this summer.
In a wide-ranging interview on Monday evening, the Argentine backed his players despite them missing out on various FIFA and UEFA playlists, including the ‘ridiculous’ exclusion of Jan Oblak from the shortlist for the best goalkeeper.
“Griezmann without doubt has been the best player in the world within the last year, there is no doubt about this,” Simeone told Cadena Cope’s El Partidazo show.
“Did I fear losing him? I never thought he would leave us, there was always a feeling he would remain at Atletico and did not truly believe he would join Barcelona.
“Jan Oblak? He is the world’s best goalkeeper and to say he is not in the top three is ridiculous, it strips these awards of credibility.
“Would Thibaut Courtois get in our team now? Oblak is better.”
