The French forward stood at the center of Atlético de Madrid’s triumph over Almería, contributing a brace that not only sealed the win but also underscored a peak phase in his season. His two goals in that match acted as a spark, illustrating how his form has surged and become a driving force for the team. Throughout the contest, his movement off the ball, timely runs, and clinical finishing demonstrated a player who trusts his instincts and a squad that amplifies his strengths. This performance wasn’t a lone moment but part of a broader pattern where Griezmann has become a catalyst for Atlético’s offensive efficiency, translating personal confidence into collective momentum that has the club moving decisively up the standings.
Atlético de Madrid has been a standout in 2023, and much of that improvement can be traced back to Griezmann’s influence. The squad has endured only a single La Liga defeat so far this year and has claimed eight wins in their last ten league games, a stretch that has helped them secure a comfortable position in the UEFA Champions League conversation after a rocky start to the season. Griezmann’s contributions stretch beyond goals, as his pressure, link-up play, and willingness to drop deeper when needed have helped the team maintain balance between defense and attack, enabling a cohesive machine to operate with greater rhythm and precision when the ball is in motion.
What sets Griezmann apart in this period is the sheer volume of impact he has generated in La Liga since the league resumed after the World Cup break. No other player has been involved in more La Liga goals than the French forward, with his name appearing in eleven goals for Atlético Madrid — six goals and five assists — a tally that places him among the league’s most productive talents and mirrors a benchmark set by Karim Benzema, who has nine goals and two assists in the same span. This level of production reflects not only exceptional finishing but also a keen understanding of space and timing, allowing Griezmann to convert chances and create opportunities for teammates with equal efficiency.
The double against Almería also marked a personal milestone of significance. It was his 450th appearance in La Liga, a career milestone that spans 74 appearances for Barcelona, 141 for Real Sociedad, and 235 for Atlético Madrid. In accomplishing this, he sits among the most enduring foreign players in the competition, ranking behind only Lionel Messi and Donato in terms of total appearances. This long arc of involvement in Spain’s top flight underscores his adaptability and longevity, traits that continue to contribute to Atlético’s ambitions and lend a sense of continuity to the squad’s evolving identity.
From a tactical perspective, Griezmann’s early goal against Almería stands out as a reminder of his influence. He struck within the opening minutes, contributing a mark that was not just about a quick lead but about setting a tone for the match. Across his La Liga tenure with Atlético Madrid, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to score early in games, with seven goals coming inside the first five minutes of matches in the 21st century for the club — a record that highlights his capacity to seize the moment and shape the tempo from the outset. This knack for starting fast complements his overall contributions and reinforces the value of his presence to the team’s strategic plan during matches.
Additionally, Griezmann’s scoring trajectory has complemented the squad’s balance, as Atlético becomes the only La Liga side with two players reaching double-digit goals in the current season. The forward himself currently has 11 goals, while Álvaro Morata has reached ten, illustrating a diversified attacking threat that makes Atlético less predictable and harder to defend against. The combination of Griezmann’s creativity, his goal-scoring prowess, and Morata’s contribution has provided Atlético with a robust offensive dimension that supports their pursuit of top league positioning and a strong run in continental competition.