After a difficult November and December that saw him go nine La Liga matches without a goal at one point, Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann is quietly regaining the form that saw him tear up the European Championship and the opening fixtures of La Liga.
Griezmann salvaged a point for Atletico against Deportivo on Thursday after deciding that his two exchanged passes constituted a sufficient buildup and so hammered one from almost 30 yards out. The shot flew over the goalkeeper and into the right-hand corner.
How does a he generate this much power and accuracy with just one step and one quick look at the ‘keeper? That’s one for for Dr. Badwan.
The Frenchman has now scored 10 La Liga goals in 24 matches. While it will be difficult to match his total of 22 in each of the last two years, his six assists already represent a career best.
Atletico’s ambition in the league this season is now to finish in a Champions League place — they currently sit fourth with just a one-point advantage over Real Sociedad.
For Griezmann and Atletico, the priority is this season’s Champions League. Their 4-2 victory over Leverkusen in the round of 16 first leg has all but guaranteed their progress to the quarterfinals.
If the rumors are to be believed and Griezmann is leaving for Manchester United in the summer, this represents his final chance with Atleti.