Winning the European Super Cup was an indication that Antoine Griezmann took the right decision in believing that he is on the right road withAtletico Madrid to winning the Ballon d'Or.
The Frenchman is a very real candidate for the trophy backed up by the three trophies that he has won in the past four months which includes the Europa League and the World Cup as well as the one in Tallinn.
Although he did not shine in the final of the Super Cup he is without doubt the talisman of the Atletico side and went into that game with only eight days of training. Modric who could be Griezmann's big rival for the player award was a substitute for Real Madrid in the same game and when he came on he also failed to make his mark.
Griezmann was on the podium in 2016 but in third place behind Ronaldo and Messi with Atletico having been runner-up in the Champions League and France having los the final of Euro 2016.
However, now Griezmann is in a very different situation having won with his club and country. In the Europa League final he stood out with two goals and for France he scored a goal and forced the free-kick that led to Mandzukic's own goal.
With 67 games between those for Atletico and his national team, and three trophies in his pocket means that he is among the favourites.
Henbpsu
59
It's always controversy, but in the end Ronaldo or Messi win the award. But this year Ronaldo will be the stand out winner of the award. Let's face the facts, Ronaldo is a better player than Griezmann, he scored 4 goals just like Griezmann in the World Cup, but he didn't win it because of the quality of his team mates, and that is a major advantage knowing that if he played for France he would have won the world cup with a lot more goals. Mbappe is a bigger candidate than Griezmann, because he is just like Ronaldo a better player than Griezmann, and Mbappe single handedly tore teams apart, such as Argentina. Ronaldos competition is Mbappe, Griezmann and Modric. Messi wont be in the podium the year I'm afraid.
reeaisu
56
Griezmann is the most favourite or deserving player for ballon d'or ahead of messi and ronaldo. this is because he won Europa largue, world cup and UEFA super cup. he is the key player in all those competitions. though I am messi fan but I would b happy if griezmann wins the award. if any other player wins the award in place of griezmann then it is a clear indication that ballon d'or ha completely lost its credibility. it will be like ronaldo winning ballon d'or in 2013 whereby the most deserving player then was Frank Ribery after winning champions league and German league as well. may the most deserving player win this time.......
MiniTom
54
If he does, another case of trophies defining a player more than talent. Might as well call Mandanda better than Oblak if this trend carries on
Yankomillion
47
we do not only talk of trophies here. we talk of trophies backed by performance. Griezmann has the trophies for sure. but his personal permance towards their successes is not up to expectation for a talisman like him.he was more of a regular player than a highly classical and outperforming or exceptional player. Ronaldo and Messi were classical players last season. their personal performances were extraordinary and exceptional. as for Messi, he had to outperform to win the Spanish double and also worn the Spanish and European Golden boot. Cr7 worn the champion league for the 3rd consecutive time and was name " Mr. Champion league " and was the highest goal scorer for the 7th consecutive time in this competition. these two players ronaldo n messi were the only extraordinary and exceptional players last season because their personal and team achievements were backed by their personal performance. Griezman should be compered to players like Harry Kane, M.Salah, Modric and Hazard who were mostly regular than exceptional.
DoggyDog-o
46
As much as I like Griezmann he’s NOT gonna win it this year. I’m thinking he could totally win 3rd but as usual 1st and 2nd belong to messi and ronaldo.
edwinhermes
45
I think Griezmann deserves this time. we are tired of Messi and Ronaldo. this time we want a hardworking player who has really proved himself.
KeronKush
34
He won the world cup but he didn't have a great tournament. The Europa League is really a second tier tournament and he had little to do with the Super Cup win. He has a case to be nominated but I don't think he was the best player for the past year.