Griezmann the yardstick for Vietto

Atlético Madrid had no qualms about splashing out €20 million on Luciano Vietto. His 20 goals for Villarreal -12 in La Liga and eight in the Europa League- in his first season in Europe were enough to persuade the 'Rojiblancos' that the exciting forward is a star in the making.

Diego Simeone was one of the driving forces behind the swoop for Vietto. 'El Cholo' was delighted to be reunited with the youngster, whom he gave his debut back at Racing Club. And yet two rounds of league fixtures have been and gone and Vietto has not been utilised. The Argentine is not yet quite up to speed physically which, coupled with the fierce competition up front - Antoine Griezmann, Jackson Martínez, Fernando Torres and Ángel Correa are also in the mix - has left him rooted to the bench.

The club is drawing parallels with Griezmann. Last term, the Frenchman, who is now undeniably Atlético's main man, began life at the Calderón on the fringes. Indeed, he warmed the bench for five of the club's first ten competitive games and didn't play the full 90 minutes until their 26th match of the season, against Athletic in late December.

That clash against the Basque giants was a turning point. Griezmann netted a hat-trick and embarked on a rich vein of form that would see him end the campaign as the club's top scorer with 25 goals - 22 in the league, one in the Copa del Rey and two in the Champions League.

The 'Rojiblancos' hierarchy are optimistic that it will be a similar story with Vietto once he is able to bed in. They continue to have the highest hopes for the 21-year-old, who has amply shown his talent.