Griezmann blazing a trail in red and white

There can be no doubt about it: 2016 is treating Antoine Griezmann extremely well. The Frenchman is at the peak of his powers and his stats prove as much. He had never before scored as many goals in a single season as he has already managed this time round. His brace against Real Betis took him on to 26 goals in all competitions, surpassing the 25 he chalked up last term.

Players with most goals from outside the area in Liga BBVA.

5 Messi
4 C.Ronaldo
4 Griezmann
4 James Rodriguez pic.twitter.com/H8Qb4pSj37

— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) March 25, 2016

Griezmann pitched up at the Calderon two years ago with a burgeoning reputation as a silky, speedy winger, but Diego Simeone decided to unleash him on opposition boxes. This decision has paid dividends and then some, because the France international – whom we can now label a fully fledged forward – has shown that he has an extremely keen eye for goal. Indeed, he stands as the seventh leading marksman in the Liga BBVA this season, having notched 19 times in 31 appearances. What's more, he has really hit a rich vein of scoring form in the last month, adding seven strikes to his haul in his last six league fixtures. This is the first time he has ever netted on six consecutive matchdays.

It has been a steady rise for the left-footer. Six years ago, in his first campaign at Real Sociedad, he averaged a goal every 6.6 games, while right now that figure is way down at 1.6. A mixture of talent, heightened confidence and a regular run of matches has proven the perfect recipe for Griezmann to keep kicking on.

All of the above explains why Griezmann is one of the top-ranking players in LaLiga Fantasy, lying fifth at present on 244 points. He swelled this total to the tune of 19 points with a sensational performance against Betis last Saturday, scoring twice and setting up a goal to be crowned the Player of the Matchday.

The Frenchman had made the LaLiga Fantasy Best XI once before this season. That was back on Matchday 28, when he inspired the Rojiblancos to victory at Mestalla with a goal and assist apiece, racking up 16 points in the process. The 19 points he amassed this past matchday represent his new personal best, but few would bet against the 25-year-old topping this tally before too long – perhaps even in the seven rounds of action that remain in the current campaign.