Diego Simeone ‘loves’ Barcelona star: ‘How did he not win the Ballon d’Or?’ | OneFootball

Atlético Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has this week revealed his appreciation for the talents of Barcelona star Raphinha.

This of course comes after the Brazilian played a starring role in Barca putting Atlético to the sword.

Raphinha was for his part in from the off on Tuesday evening, in the headline fixture of the latest La Liga gameweek.

And en route to an eventual 3-1 Blaugrana triumph, the 28-year-old shone bright once more.

With his injury woes now a thing of the past, Raphinha looks back to his brilliant best, culminating in a fine goal to bring Hansi Flick’s troops level against Atlético at the Camp Nou.

And as alluded to above, one individual on whom the significance of such efforts was not at all lost is Diego Simeone.

Speaking to the media on the back of the full-time whistle in Catalunya’s capital on Tuesday, Atléti’s headmaster was full of praise for Raphinha, explaining:

“I have no idea how Raphinha did not win the Ballon d’Or. He is an incredible player. He can play everywhere. As a winger, as a midfielder, as a striker, or even as a wing back. He can score, he can create, he presses and runs. I love Raphinha.”

Conor Laird – GSFN