Julian Alvarez claims he was not bothered by rumours of a potential move to Barcelona during the most recent transfer window.

The 25-year-old scored 17 goals and provided four assists in 37 LaLiga appearances for Atletico Madrid last season and has directly contributed to nine goals in the league this term (seven goals, two assists).

And after recent criticism of the striker due to a string of poor performances, he bounced back with a goal in Atleti’s 3-2 win over PSV in the Champions League.

Diego Simeone’s side have lost their last two games in the league, leaving them fourth in the standings ahead of their fixture against Valencia on Saturday.

Alvarez is completely focused on life at Atletico, as he has his sights set on domestic and European glory with the club.

“Look, it doesn’t bother me. I try not to pay too much attention, but I know what’s being said,” Alvarez told Marca.

“Most of it comes from social media. I think there’s a lot more talk than what actually happens in reality.

“I’m very focused on this season and on what lies ahead with Atletico Madrid. So I try to block that out and think about myself.

“I feel comfortable at Atletico Madrid. Everyone has treated me well since my first day.

“My dream is to win the World Cup again and win the Champions League with Atletico Madrid.”

Valencia are 16th in LaLiga and just three points clear of the relegation zone after 15 games this season.

However, they are on a five-game unbeaten run in all competitions (W2 D3) since a 4-0 defeat to Real Madrid at the start of November.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Atletico Madrid – Antoine Griezmann

Griezmann has scored 13 goals in 26 appearances against Valencia in LaLiga, more than he has managed against any other opponent in his career in the competition.

But the Frenchman has scored just four league goals this season and is yet to register an assist.

Valencia – Hugo Duro

Valencia forward Duro has scored five goals in seven LaLiga appearances against Atleti, his joint-highest goal tally against a single opponent in the competition alongside Real Madrid (five goals in nine games).

He is also the club’s top scorer in the league this season, finding the back of the net five times so far.

MATCH PREDICTION – ATLETICO MADRID WIN

Atleti are unbeaten in their last 14 home games against Valencia in LaLiga (W10 D4), their second-longest unbeaten run at home against them in the competition's history, behind only their first 17 meetings between 1935 and 1954 (W8 D9).

And they have won their last five LaLiga home games against Valencia at the Estadio Metropolitano, their longest ever winning streak on home soil against them in the competition.

Simeone is unbeaten in all 14 of his home games against Valencia in LaLiga (W10 D4), his joint-most against a single opponent in the competition without defeat (also 14 vs Athletic Club and Sevilla).

However, Valencia are unbeaten in their last four LaLiga games (W1 D3), this after losing four of their previous five in the competition (D1). This is their longest unbeaten run in the league this season.

Valencia are also the only team in LaLiga to have scored 100% of their goals from inside the box this season (14/14).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Atletico Madrid – 69.6%

Draw – 18.4%

Valencia – 12%