Griezmann is celebrating

Antoine Griezmann has recovered his smile. And this Monday, March 21, you have reason to celebrate. The Frenchman turns 31 and will focus on the French national team after meeting again as a footballer at Atlético once the injury that has brought him so much trouble has been overcome.

Perhaps he is not yet in his physical prime and in recent duels it has been difficult for him to materialize chances, one of his great virtues as a striker. But, Griezmann can say that he has earned the forgiveness and affection of the Atlético fans. A union that materialized after the duel at Old Trafford, where he left chanted after a physical deployment and a commendable job, plus the assist for Lodi’s goal that qualified the rojiblancos for the quarterfinals of the Champions League (he has participated directly in six of the team’s nine goals in the competition).

A job that is not negotiated in Griezmann and that can also serve as a model for a João Félix with whom he understands each time better on and off the pitch. Against Manchester United, Atlético began suffering and the midfield couldn’t block the easy exit of the English and the gaps between the lines. Simeone took note, moved Griezmann to the right wing, crossed De Paul and the team was a very balanced block thanks to the fact that the Frenchman does not forgive a race.

And against Rayo, with the score in favor, again the ‘8’ returned to the band to leave a display that practically no top-level player can carry out (You have to remember that Griezmann finished two seasons at Atlético as Bronze Ball, third best player in the world). In Vallecas only the goal escaped him, enjoying two great occasions that he failed to score. The first after a foul taken by De Paul and a ball combed by João Félix and the second in a one-on-one after De Paul’s assistance where he couldn’t beat Dimitrievski.

Griezmann finished the game against Rayo with eight recoveries, 17 melee duels, 31 good passes out of 34 attempted (91.2% success rate), four tackles… something that defines his work almost as a midfielder from Brega beyond his quality in the final meters. A Griezmann who is becoming the Griezmann who left Atlético, important for Simeone, gaining confidence, hardworking, decisive, and who only lacked the goal to round off a birthday of maximum happiness. A success that will return with the passing of the games and that is expected after the international break.