Greizmann
Atletico Madrid striker Antoine has heaped praise on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and said he always watches Borussia Dortmund on television.
Greizmann in actionLast season, Dortmund striker Aubameyang invited Griezmann’s brother Theo to the Westfalenstadion to see a Borussia Dortmund match, and the player’s sibling said afterwards he was “just amazed by the atmosphere, the stadium and the match.”
France international Griezmann has yet to play against Dortmund but, in an interview with the Ruhr-Area outlet Reviersport, he said he admires the club.
“Whenever a Borussia match is on TV I will watch because with this team I have a goal guarantee. BVB always play spectacular football,” he said.
Their goal return is in significant part down to Gabon international Aubameyang, who has scored 15 in 12 leagues games so far this season.
“He is definitely a world-class attacker with an incredible consistency in his games,” Griezmann said. “He’s made steady progress in the past few months. You can see all the time that he’s happy on the pitch.”
Aubameyang also drew praise from his new international boss Jose Antonio Camacho, who told Onda Cero radio on Monday: “Aubameyang is one of the best footballers in the world right now.”
Dortmund’s attack also boasts French teenager Ousmane Dembele, who broke into the senior national side after his summer move from Rennes.
Griezmann praised his international teammate, saying he can be “a big player if he stays humble and works hard.”
When quizzed about his favourite German players, Griezmann named Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil as his current favourite.
“He’s an outstanding player,” he said. “I rate his style of play, his passing quality and also that he always finds a solution with a long ball or a dribbling. He’s elegant with the ball.
“I also liked Miroslav Klose, as a scorer with a nose for goal and strong on headers. I really liked how he tracked back.”
The 25-year-old could play in Germany on Tuesday as Atletico Madrid take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Atletico have already secured top spot in Group D, with Bayern certain to progress in second, but Griezmann — who is currently in the midst of a seven-game La Liga goal drought — is eager to play.
“Even though it’s a meaningless tie, I don’t want to miss this match,” he said. “These are the special games for a footballer.”
Griezmann scored in last season’s Champions League semifinal at Bayern and also netted a brace against Germany in the Euro 2016 semifinal, ending up on the winning side on both occasions.
“Germany and Bayern were the better sides twice, but we defended really well and waited for our chance,” he said. “Bayern are one of the four best teams in Europe, and they play for the Champions League title every year.
“You can just see that they are a big club when you play in Munich. A fantastic stadium, bombastic atmosphere and a top squad. I always enjoy playing Bayern.”
He also feels Bayern’s possession-based football has played into his hands.
“I like it when teams attack and try to score goals,” he said. “You can be successful through counter-attacks, and that’s what happened in the Champions League and at the Euros.”
