Diego Simeone is preparing his Atletico Madrid side to face Manchester United in the Champions League last 16 tonight.
Ahead of the game, the Argentine boss has been complimentary of United, their development under Ralf Rangnick and also Scott McTominay.
It is perhaps no surprise to hear Simeone describe Paul Pogba as one of the world’s best midfielders, but he also put the 25-year-old Scotland international in that bracket.
As quoted by the Mirror, Simeone made his admiration for McTominay clear ahead of facing him at the Wanda Metropolitano tonight.
“They have an incredible midfield. I am incredibly impressed with the work rate. Pogba and McTominay are two of the best midfielders in the world with a great balance.”
On the improvement under Rangnick, Simeone said: “The team is much more compact, it’s stronger. They have a solidity at the back, they’re a very physical team with the central defenders and the midfield they’ve got.
“They are really strong and it’s really, really difficult to find vulnerabilities there. I always assess the virtues of our rival, but of course we will try to find a way to try and hurt them, try and find our way to the goal, if you like.
“We’re facing one of the best teams in the world in the last 14 games, if I’m not mistaken. They’ve just lost one. With the new manager, Ralf Rangnick, it’s given the team solidity, teamwork, and commitment. They’ve evolved since the new manager arrived, they’re already fourth in the league.”
McTominay is the kind of player who could play in a traditional Simeone midfield; not necessarily the most talented in a technical sense but with a big heart and full commitment.
There will be many United fans who do not agree with Simeone’s assessment in terms of having him up there as the world’s best.
After all, he plays at centre-back for Scotland and there are legitimate criticisms in terms of him passing forward and being creative on the ball.
But he has an opportunity to show his quality on the biggest stage tonight and if Atletico make it a battle, McTominay’s contribution will be vital.
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