The France international was in brilliant form for the Colchoneros last term, and is coach has backed him to challenge the pair's monopoly on the Ballon d'Or.
Diego Simeone is convinced that Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann will soon be considered alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as an elite player in world football.
Barcelona forward Messi and Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo have held a monopoly over the Ballon d'Or award for the past eight years, and the latter is favourite for the prize this time around having won the Champions League and Euro 2016, with Griezmann a losing finalist on both occasions.