Antoine Griezmann empties his bag on his strange season

Antoine Griezmann sees life in pink. We are not talking about the color of his neon hair, but about what he has been living on the football pitch for a few weeks. However, everything had not necessarily started well for the international tricolor this season. Indeed, Diego Simeone only brought him into play for a very short time (maximum 30 minutes) per game so that Atlético de Madrid did not pay a bonus of 40 million euros to Barça. For this, Grizi had to play at least 50% of Colchoneros’ matches (he had to play at least 45 minutes for a match to be counted, editor’s note).

For several weeks, the tricolor world champion therefore played the role of luxury joker. A difficult situation for him, especially as the World Cup was approaching. But everything was back to normal on October 10 when the two Spanish teams finally agreed. A relief for Griezmann, who was able to definitively find a starting place and playing time. After a rather convincing World Cup with the Blues, the 32-year-old striker, who was disappointed not to be named captain of the team of France, found Madrid.

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Liga: Atlético offers Almeria with a double from Griezmann

Griezmann is in good shape

And we can say that Diego Simeone has one of the best versions of Antoine Griezmann right now. The best since his return in 2021, that’s for sure. Decisive and influential, he has scored 12 goals and delivered 10 assists since the start of the season in 39 games in all competitions, including 30 as a starter (only Robert Lewandowski does better). He also scored twice last night against Almeria (2-1 victory). A new performance from the French international, whose statistics could have been better this season if his club had not taken him hostage at the start of the exercise.

Whatever, Antoine Griezmann savors as he confided to AS. “Yes, when I arrived I knew I had to make myself small for everything I had done to the fans. I worked this year too. I started the season playing only 30 minutes due to contract issues, but I didn’t care. I wanted to be here, enjoy here. By working, football shows you and your colleagues that you don’t have to stop fighting. All the efforts I have made since my arrival are bearing fruit and my colleagues are helping me. I enjoy myself on the pitch, with the people who come to the stadium… When I enjoy myself, it shows on the pitch.”

The French talks about his case

We can’t blame him. The Frenchman was then asked about his form. “I think it’s my most complete version in terms of assists, play… Before the game was more vertical, deeper, we were looking for space… Now we have players who like to associate more , I adapt to that and I try to find my place. I am very happy with my performance this year, but I have not reached my maximum and I hope to be able to reach it as soon as possible. Even without that, many consider him the best player in La Liga right now.

Moreover, when a journalist from Movistar Asked him the question, he replied: “Thanks to the team, I’m at this level, without the team, I can’t score goals.” In full swing, Griezmann will be expected at the turn next Sunday at Camp Nou to face FC Barcelona, ​​his former club. The Iberian press, especially Brandis already licking his chops. “A Little Prince to dream at Camp Nou”title of the Spanish publication, which adds: “Griezmann, after his double, is the red and white hope against Barça.” Indeed, his team, 3rd in La Liga with 60 points, will need a great Griezmann to bring down the Catalan leader and put pressure on Real Madrid, 2nd with 62 units. A mission cut out for the Frenchman.