Simeone: "I see Vietto as very similar to Villa"

During an interview with TyC Sports, Diego Simeone talked Copa America, Leo Messi, Luciano Vietto's imminent move to Atletico and the club's failed attempt to sign Carlos Tevez.

"Messi is number one, there's no other player today that even comes close to him", Simeone claimed. Asked whether Messi can be compared to Maradona, 'El Cholo' replied that such comparisons are "not fair", in part because of their roles on the pitch. "Messi is much more of a finisher, Diego played all over the place. Messi has won four Champions Leagues, which unless I'm mistaken, I don't think many people have done… Hopefully Messi can lead Argentina to victory in the Copa America and then a World Cup", the coach stated.

Though it has not been made official yet, Vietto looks for all the world to be Calderon-bound and Simeone is thrilled: "He's very smart tactically. He scores goals though he's not a natural-born scorer… I see him as very similar to David Villa at the beginning of his career, although without as much goal threat, but with the ability to work for the team, float between the lines and link up with the midfield and attack. We've got high hopes for him".

Simeone talked understandingly about Tevez's decision to spurn the overtures from the 'Rojiblancos' seemingly in order to rejoin Boca Juniors: "I didn't speak to him, but Atletico did. He has Boca as an option. What's important is for a player of his class and stature to end his career where he wants because he deserves it, and he's very much loved by the Argentinian people".