Antoine Griezmann Comments on UEFA's 2015-16 Best Player in Europe Award

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann thinks he deserves to be crowned as European football’s star player following an excellent campaign for club and country.

Griezmann was the driving force behind Atletico’s push for La Liga and UEFA Champions League glory last season, and he was also the top scorer at the summer’s UEFA European Championship for France, helping his side to the final.

Although the forward didn’t pick up any silverware in these competitions, coming agonisingly short in each, he feels that on an individual basis, he’s been the star man ahead of Real Madrid duo Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, who are his rivals for the gong, per 24sata (h/t Dejan Kalinic of Goal):

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I am proud to be a finalist, that means I am on the right track and have to continue that way.

I don't want to sound arrogant, but I deserve this award because I've had a great season with both club and the national team.

It has been [an] unforgettable season, first in the Champions League with Atleti, then [the] Euros with France. Unfortunately, we didn't win a trophy and it was a blow for us, as well for our fans.

"

The former Real Sociedad man was one of the most exciting players to watch anywhere in European football last term. Here is a look at some of the highlights from his superb 2015-16 campaign:

Griezmann was thwarted by Bale and Ronaldo in the Champions League final, as Real won the title via a penalty shootout at the San Siro.

In addition, Ronaldo’s Portugal edged out France on home soil at the Euros, with Eder’s extra-time goal handing the team their first major international honour. As such, it’s no surprise that the Real star is favourite for the award, having netted the winning penalty in the Champions League showdown, too.

Bale, meanwhile, was the catalyst for Wales’ surprise run to the semi-finals of the European Championship, where they came up short against the eventual winners.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

While Griezmann’s searing pace, tricky dribbling and eye for goal were thrilling to watch at times last term, there are plenty who would argue he didn’t quite show his best on the biggest occasions. In the Champions League final, the Atletico man missed a penalty and a clear opportunity was spurned in normal time against Portugal.

Nevertheless, Griezmann has previously made it clear he wants to be considered alongside the likes of Ronaldo and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, per the Guardian (h/t Bleacher Report UK):

Aside from their remarkable goalscoring feats, the two aforementioned names tend to show up at crucial moments, hauling their respective sides to victory. Griezmann, for all the talent he showcased so frequently last term, hasn’t quite done so yet. It’s why he’ll likely be overlooked by those who determine which player wins this award.

Of course, there’s still time for the 25-year-old to etch his name into the history books. He’s been making steady improvements since joining Atletico Madrid and working under manager Diego Simeone, a process that’ll surely continue again this term.

If Griezmann can become the difference-maker at the Vicente Calderon Stadium in the biggest games, the individual accolades will come.