Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has credited coach Diego Simeone for taking his game to new heights.

Griezmann has 18 goals in 29 appearances for Atletico this season, helping his team to sit level on points with Liga leaders Barcelona.

The France international's haul of 43 in 82 games at Atleti is only nine shy of his goal return at Real Sociedad, which was amassed over 202 appearances.

"Simeone has great rigour, discipline and intensity in workouts… it changed me completely," Griezmann said in an interview with RMC, during which he conceded there was a necessary adjustment period to the Argentinian's methods.

"For the first six months of the championship [in 2014-15], I struggled. I was making ends meet and in the match it was pretty complicated.

"I worked, I worked hard and I am now a major player for the club.

"I started this season really well and I hope to continue. I am full of confidence and more and more complete.

"I scored a lot of crucial goals, but also offensively and tactically I'm more complete."