Ernesto Valverde has praised Atletico Madrid attacker Antoine Griezmann and is wary of the threat he poses as Barcelona battle the Madridistas on Sunday.

“Well I’d rather he saved his goals for another time,” Valverde said in response at his pre-match news conference.

The Frenchman has been linked to a move to Barcelona at the end of the season but Valverde refused to comment on the speculation.

“As for his future, I can’t tell you but he’s a player who’s in excellent form at the moment.

“Tomorrow he’s one of the strengths of the Atleitco Madrid team. We’re going to have to look after him very closely.”

The Catalan coach was pressed on the issue but wouldn’t be drawn into commenting on the reports.

“Look, he’s a very good player. I have no doubt about that.

“He scored four goals the other day and three the time before.

“But I’m not going to talk about a player who plays for another team, especially one we are playing the next day. That would be improper.”