Antoine Griezmann on UEFA’s shortlist for Best Player in Europe, Messi misses out

UEFA named the three players who will compete for the Best Player in Europe award and the city of Madrid boast all three players on the list with Lionel Messi missing the cut and Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Antoine Griezmann all on the list.

Antoine Griezmann has been a revelation since joining Atletico Madrid from Real Sociedad two seasons ago. From a relatively unknown entity to the top performer at Euro 2016 and Atletico’s shining light on their way to the Champions League final last season.

The three players named all made it into the semi-finals of Euro 2016 with Ronaldo and Griezmann battling it out in the final, which was won by Ronaldo’s Portugal despite the fact that he was taken off early in the first half with a knee injury.

The winner of the award will be announced during the draw for Champions League group stage on the 25th of August in Monaco and it will be interesting to see which way they sway.