In the calendar year 2023, Antoine Griezmann is probably the best player in La Liga. The Mâconnais was notably elected MVP of the 2022/2023 season by the daily newspaper A.S., and continued with an excellent start to the 2023/2024 financial year. The Frenchman’s stats in 2023 go in this direction, since he was the top scorer in La Liga over the calendar year with 21 goals, 3 more than Lewandowski. He was also the best passer in the Spanish championship this year, with 16 assists, 7 more than his runner-up Raphinha.
But at the moment, the Frenchman is going through a bit of a slump. The French international has, for example, not been very visible during the last outings of his club, like the duel against Athletic in the semi-first leg of the Copa del Rey, or the last two matches of the Rojiblancos, against Sevilla then against Inter. It is no coincidence that Diego Simeone’s team lost the 3 matches in question.
An injury that comes badly
A less good move which could seem anecdotal if it were not happening at a decisive moment of the season. Worse still, the Frenchman was injured during this European match against the Milanese in midweek, and was unable to play against Almeria this weekend (2-2). A match that the Colchoneros were unable to win, despite the presence of a team which has not won a single championship match opposite. Hit in the ankle, everything indicates that he will be absent for this return match of the Cup against Athletic, where his team will play its ticket to the final. And it is, currently, the most credible title option this season for the Madrilenians.
The player, who has scored 11 goals and provided 6 assists in 24 La Liga matches, is also likely to miss the clash against Betis next weekend. A decisive match in the race for fourth place, occupied by the Colchoneros, but with only three points ahead of Athletic. In the event of an Andalusian victory, Betis, sixth, could also come back strong in this race. Suffice to say that the return of Griezmann is essential, and above all, the Frenchman will have to be at his best so that Atlético’s season does not turn sour…
