Atletico star Oblak is the best goalkeeper in the world – Griezmann

The Slovenia ace made a string of top saves as his side earned a 1-1 draw at Arsenal in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final

Antoine Griezmann believes Atletico Madrid team-mate Jan Oblak is the best goalkeeper in the world.

Oblak was in inspirational form as 10-man Atleti drew 1-1 at Arsenal in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday.

Sime Vrsaljko’s 10th-minute red card made life hard for Atleti – who also saw Diego Simeone sent to the stands – at Emirates Stadium, but Oblak’s saves kept his side in the game after Alexandre Lacazette’s headed opener and Griezmann capitalised on defensive mistakes to strike a late equaliser.

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The Slovenia international made a phenomenal stop from an Aaron Ramsey header following Griezmann’s goal, leading the forward to pile praise on the ‘keeper.

“Jan is the best in the world at this time,” Griezmann said.

“Not because he’s my team-mate but because of the saves he makes, the points he wins us.

“The beginning of the game was very crazy, many things happened. We have a nice second leg at home [to come].

“I hope the fans make a crazy atmosphere, that they want to see us go to the final.

“We have to win the Europa League. We expect a euphoric atmosphere in the Wanda Metropolitano.”

Atleti – who are chasing their third Europa League crown – will take on Arsenal in the second leg in Madrid on 3 May.