Monday 11 December 2017 15:19, UK
Guillem Balague takes a look at Antoine Griezmann's recent form and examines what is next for one of Europe's most in-demand players.
Antoine Griezmann missed Atletico Madrid's 1-0 win at Real Betis on Sunday with a hamstring injury but Diego Simeone will need his recent upturn in form to continue when he returns to fitness.
After a tough start to the season in which he struggled to reach his usual levels, the turning point for Griezmann came after Atletico's goalless draw with Real Madrid last month.
That day at the Wanda Metropolitano, an out-of-sorts Griezmann was substituted for the fifth time in 14 games. At the time of his withdrawal, he had only attempted 12 passes and not taken a single shot at goal.
It was a big concern for Atletico but since then, Griezmann has scored four goals and claimed two assists in four games compared to just three goals and three assists in 14 games before that.
It has all stemmed from a meeting he held with Atletico's top personnel after the Madrid derby. Griezmann was told to focus and stop flirting with other clubs about his future, and in return he asked to play with another striker instead of as a lone frontman.
Simeone has played Griezmann behind either Fernando Torres, Correa or Kevin Gameiro since then and it has made a big difference.
In Atletico's recent win over Levante, for example, it was no coincidence that both of Griezmann's goals were set up by his new strike partner Gameiro.
The presence of another striker has helped Griezmann get back to goalscoring form, but it has also given him more freedom to roam around the pitch and get involved in Atletico's build-up play.
Since the Madrid derby, the stats tell us that Griezmann is getting more touches and making more passes. He is also creating more chances and having more shots on goal.
It's the perfect set-up for a player who loves to set up scoring opportunities for his team-mates as well as finish them off himself. Griezmann is now playing in his ideal position.
The difference is clear when comparing his touch maps in each of Atletico's Champions League group games with Roma.
As well as having more touches in the opposition box in Atletico's recent 2-0 win, he was also far more involved in their general play. Having struggled in the first game, he ended the second with a goal and an assist.
What makes Griezmann's return to form even more interesting, of course, is that it has come just before the January transfer window.
So what's next for him? Well, Atletico supporters are excited to see him partner Diego Costa, who will finally be available to play next month.
And while a January departure is not being considered by anybody, the club accept that this will probably be his last season with them.
In fact, he was on his way out last summer. Manchester United made a huge offer and Griezmann spoke to Jose Mourinho directly, but much to their surprise, he eventually chose to remain loyal to Atletico.
United's interest in Griezmann has not gone away, but they might now face competition from Barcelona and even PSG, who have made him one of their primary targets.
It will be fascinating to see what happens next. After a difficult start to the campaign, Griezmann's return to form is a timely reminder of why he is one of the most in-demand players around.
