‘No idea how he didn’t win the Ballon d’Or’ – Diego Simeone hails Raphinha after Barcelona win

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone praised Raphinha before Tuesday’s clash with Barcelona and had some more kind words for the Brazilian after the game.

Raphinha equalised for Barcelona and put in another brilliant performance for Hansi Flick’s side. Simeone made it clear exactly how highly he rates the Brazilian afterwards.

“Raphinha is an incredible player. He can play everywhere. As a winger, as a midfielder, as a striker, or even as a wing back,” he told the medida.

“He can score, he can create, he presses and runs. I have no idea how he did not win the Ballon d’Or.”

Simeone also said he was happy with his team despite the defeat.

“I’m very happy with the team’s performance,” he added.

“We started very well, then they managed to hurt us through the middle. In the second half, they started a bit better, and from the 20-minute mark onwards, we took control of the game. We had three important scoring opportunities that we couldn’t convert… but I’m happy.”

Atletico had been on a great run of form before the match but now slip six points behind Barca in the table.