The numbers don't lie: Gameiro helps Griezmann flourish, says Simeone

Diego Simeone says Antoine Griezmann feels more comfortable playing alongside Kevin Gameiro and that the stats back up the belief.

Published : Dec 01, 2017 20:00 IST

Double trouble: Kevin Gameiro and Antoine Griezmann are proving to be a deadly strike partnership for Atletico Madrid of late
Double trouble: Kevin Gameiro and Antoine Griezmann are proving to be a deadly strike partnership for Atletico Madrid of late
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Double trouble: Kevin Gameiro and Antoine Griezmann are proving to be a deadly strike partnership for Atletico Madrid of late

Antoine Griezmann is flourishing once again, thanks largely to his partnership with Kevin Gameiro, according to Diego Simeone.

The Atletico Madrid boss has seen star forward Griezmann rediscover his goal-scoring touch over his last two appearances, having previously gone more than two months without scoring for his club. His dry spell, across all competitions, ended on November 21, when he found the net in a crucial 2-0 Champions League win over Roma.

Read: 'Everything seems better when Atletico win'

The France international followed that up with a brace in a 5-0 thrashing of Levante last week, with Gameiro – whose start to the season was delayed by a groin injury – scoring a brace in that match, having also netted versus Roma.

Simeone plans to keep searching for strategies to get the best out of Griezmann but acknowledged Griezmann looks more comfortable playing alongside compatriot Gameiro.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's La Liga contest with Real Sociedad, Simeone said, "He is much better, much more immersed in the type of football which he has been accustomed to with us.

"He needs a reference. He did well with [Fernando] Torres, and with Gameiro. We hope to be able to look for the best combination of forwards so he can feel more comfortable.

"The numbers speak for themselves. Gameiro's partnership with Griezmann has been marked by the numbers over two years. Surely Griezmann feels more comfortable with Gameiro, I do not say this, the numbers say it and they do not lie."

Atletico has won four of its past five matches in all competitions, with the other a hard-earned goalless draw with rival Real Madrid, and Simeone believes having Gameiro available has made the difference.

"Since the beginning of the season, the work has been good but the presence of Gameiro in the last matches gives us speed and precision in attack," he added. It coincides with the best moment of the best player of ours, who is Griezmann. With them on the pitch, the team has the possibility of improving. The defensive work was always good."

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