Matchday 3 - Player of the Round

Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad)

Okay, so he missed a couple of clear chances which could have put Real Sociedad ahead in the first half against Real Madrid at Anoeta, but his overall impact in his first start for the San Sebastian-based club this season was exceptional. Expectations have been high for the French teenager in his debut year in the top flight but no guarantees can ever be made about a player, especially such a young one, who is stepping up a division for the first time. Martin Lasarte has eased Griezmann in with a couple of substitute appearances in the first two games but the Uruguayan coach felt he was ready to start against Real Madrid and any doubts about his ability to perform at this level have been well and truly put to bed. Griezmann was lively and daring against his main marker Sergio Ramos - one of the best right backs in the world - whom he gave quite a fright on more than one occasion with his pace and guile. He was involved in most of Real Sociedad's best moves and his first start in La Liga could have been even more sensational if he had buried his first half header from the centre of the area and/or the shot he stabbed wide after being fed on the edge of the box by Xabi Prieto. In the second half he demonstrated his set-piece prowess by assisting Raul Tamudo's goal and moments later he whipped a dangerous free-kick just past Iker Casillas' far post, which had Spain's World Cup winning captain scrambling. The home team deserved more from this match and Griezmann deserved to be the one who provided it. One thing is for sure, with so many dimensions to his game, there is a lot more to come from the 19-year-old.