Griezmann can do it all LaLiga Santander - Atletico Madrid He helps Atletico in so many ways

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann was once again pivotal for Los Colchoneros in their 3-1 Champions League win against Club Brugge, emphasising his importance to Diego Simeone's side as they look to end their curse in Europe's elite competition.

The Champions League has become an obsession for Griezmann as it is the trophy he is missing, following France's World Cup victory last summer, but last year Atletico did not even advance out of the group and subsequently dropped to the Europa League.

"Last year was not good," said the forward.

"It was my fault that we did not advance in the Champions League."

The objective this year is to get over their hoodoo in the competition and the 27-year-old is clearly on a mission to see Atletico win the trophy, with the final being played at their home of the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano.

He scored two goals and set up another in the 3-1 victory on Wednesday.

It is clear that the statistics are impressive, but Griezmann's overall play is far more than that as he is the player who makes Simeone's side tick.

Goalscorer: Already exceeds Diego Costa

His brace against Brugge took Griezmann to the top of the scoring leaderboard for Atletico, surpassing the three goals of Costa and Koke.

The two goals in the Champions League, in addition to the LaLiga Santander strikes against Rayo Vallecano and Huesca, all came at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano.

Atletico look set to reach the last 16 in Europe after their disappointing campaign last season, which will surely only result in Griezmann scoring more important goals for Los Rojiblancos.

Assists: Vision of a No.10

One of the underrated elements of Griezmann's play is his vision, as demonstrated in his looped ball to Koke against Brugge, and Costa could have also gotten on the scoresheet after receiving two spectacular passes from the No. 7.

In fact, there are several moments where Griezmann appears to look like Lionel Messi when he is dictating the play and creating chances.

Many would think that he had been playing as a No. 10 for his entire career, but he is a hybrid player, which makes him incredibly dangerous and essential for Atletico.

Candidate: For the Ballon d'Or

Every game for Griezmann seems like he is getting closer to securing the Ballon d'Or award, awarded by France Football.

Zinedine Zidane was the last Frenchman to win the award, 20 years ago, and the trophy is now close for the Atletico forward.

Like Zidane, he took his country to World Cup glory, the great sporting event of the year, but he understands that he must help secure other trophies - in addition to his Europa League and UEFA Super Cup medals - in order to secure the crown.

Leader: He is in charge and pulls the team forward

Leaders and the world's greatest players should appear when things are going bad for their team and that is exactly what Griezmann did on Wednesday night, as he put the team on his back against the Belgians.

He created opportunities as he took it upon himself to become the playmaker and also scored two to put the fans at ease.

After the departure of Gabi and Fernando Torres, Griezmann displays the character and leadership which will take Atletico far.