Diego Simeone hails ‘extraordinary’ Barcelona star before Copa del Rey clash | OneFootball

Atlético Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has on Tuesday moved to reveal his appreciation for the talents of a leading member of the attacking ranks at Barcelona.

The player in question? Robert Lewandowski.

Frontman Lewandowski is for his part of course fresh off another standout performance over the weekend.

When Barcelona needed him most, the Polish international produced the goods in front of goal once more, notching a brace to lead the Blaugrana to a 4-1 downing of Catalan rivals Girona.

As much kept alive what has been, all told, a wonderful season on Lewandowski’s part, to the tune of a hefty 38 goals across all competitions.

And one individual on whom such ongoing excellence has not been at all lost is the aforementioned Diego Simeone.

Drawn on Barcelona’s veteran goalscorer ahead of Atlético Madrid’s Copa del Rey showdown with Hansi Flick’s side on Wednesday night, Simeone was full of praise for a player whom he considers a role model for young stars:

“Lewandowski? Congratulations, he’s having an extraordinary season. He’s a player to admire, and for the younger players to watch and learn from.”

Conor Laird – GSFN