Diego Simeone Praises Yannick Carrasco After First Career Hat-Trick in Granada Thumping

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone heaped praise on young forward Yannick Carrasco after he netted a hat-trick in his side's 7-1 thrashing of Granada on Saturday, as reported by Marca.

The Belgian international is one of the hottest properties in world football, and Simeone clearly knows what a talent he has on his hands.

​​"I'm very happy for Carrasco. He is a very complete player, with a bright future ahead of him," Simeone said of the 23-year-old, who scored in last season's Champions League final against arch-rivals Real Madrid. 

"He is on the path to getting even better. We work with him day to day to help him play like he did today," he continued. 

Since joining Atleti from Monaco in 2015, the Belgian has made 38 appearances, scoring 10 goals, impressing enough to secure a spot in Marc Wilmots' squad for Euro 2016. 

Carrasco has attracted interest from all over Europe, with Arsene Wenger reportedly keen on the 23-year-old, who can play anywhere across the frontline, but Simeone will be keen to retain his services at the Vicente Calderon.

Simeone was full of praise for his entire side, and has gained a reputation as a manager who values the collective effort over the individual.

"All of the players responded in the best way possible. The players who came off the bench today [Nico Gaitan, Tiago and Fernando Torres] also contributed to winning this game," Simeone said, before turning his attention to the great atmosphere in the stands. 

"I was surprised by how many kids were in the stands. It's necessary that they become enamoured with the passion and ambition that is in the atmosphere."

The Argentine will now take his side to Russia to face FC Rostov in Atleti's third Champions League group match on Wednesday night.