Simeone picks 'in-form' Griezmann for Ballon d'Or glory

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has picked star striker Antoine Griezmann for this year's Ballon d'Or trophy, insisting that the French player has been in a great form in recent times.

Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo (2013, 2014) and Barcelona star Lionel Messi (2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015) are the only two players to have won the world's best male player award since the merger of the old Ballon d'Or and FIFA's own World Player of the Year award in 2010.

Despite that, Simeone backed Griezmann to succeed the former Ballon d'Or winners.

"I hope he is up there for the Ballon d'Or, as he is in great form and will get even better if he continues like this," Simeone was quoted as saying by goal.com.

Simeone's comment comes after the 25-year-old forward continued his imperious run of goal scoring in 2016 by smashing two goals in Atletico's thrashing 5-0 victory over Sporting Gijon in their La Liga clash.

Labelling Griezmanne as the best player in Europe last year, Simeone hailed the former's goal-scoring form and consistency in the last few months.

"He reached the finals of both the Champions League and Euro 2016, scoring many goals, and scored many goals in La Liga too. The consistency he has makes him stronger," he added.