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Simeone praises Atletico Madrid and France player Griezmann for silencing detractors at the 2022 World Cup.
Diego Simeone has applauded Antoine Griezmann for putting on a succession of strong performances for France at the 2022 World Cup, proving his critics wrong.
The France international was a key playmaker in Qatar, helping Didier Deschamp’s team get to back-to-back World Cup finals.
Throughout the competition, he assisted three goals, notably Olivier Giroud’s decisive goal against England in the quarterfinals, with a magnificent cross he provided for Kylian Mbappe.
Simeone has never questioned Griezmann’s involvement and believes his performances in Qatar hushed his critics.
Griezmann was criticized for his Atletico Madrid performances in the first part of the season because it was implied he wasn’t giving everything he had.
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“You have to go back and remember seven days before the World Cup, how he played in the first game [in the Copa del Rey] we had. He did it with the same dedication, the same commitment,” The Atletico boss has told reporters.
“Antoine always wanted to be here. He regained the affection of the fans; [on] the field [he] speaks, and it is a good image for his teammates, wanting them to reach an important level. He is an extraordinary player despite the fact that many, many, thought otherwise.”
Griezmann has recorded six goals and eight assists in 23 appearances for Atletico this season despite being forced to accept a bench role before sealing a permanent return to the club from Barcelona in October.
Three of those assists have come in Atletico’s last two matches, including their 2-0 win over Oviedo in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.
The French forward will be eager to give his all against his former club Barcelona in a vital La Liga match at the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday.