Antoine Griezmann is having his worst season at Atletico Madrid just as they need him most… is it because he's off to Barcelona or Manchester United?

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Atletico Madrid's season could be as good as over before Diego Costa has kicked a ball if they lose to Real Madrid this Saturday. They are relying on Antoine Griezmann to make sure that is not the case.

Lose the Madrid derby and they could be as many as 11 points off the lead. Fail to beat Roma three days later and they will be out of the Champions League too. 

Supporters can't wait to see Costa and Griezmann play together but they'll be trying to win Atletico the Europa League and the Copa del Rey if things do not pick up soon in the two competitions that really matter.

Atletico Madrid need talisman Antoine Griezmann to be on top form for their clash with Real

The fans know their season will be as good as over if they lose to rivals Real this weekend

Atletico can't wait to partner Diego Costa and Griezmann - but they must wait until January

Costa can't be blamed. He's been suffering under the whip of Atletico's fitness coach Oscar Ortega ever since he signed from Chelsea. He's banned from being registered for games until January. Griezmann has been on the pitch, although some Atletico supporters say he's been hard to spot, even with that shock of bottle blond hair. He's now gone seven games without scoring – this is his worst period of form since he joined. He has never mattered more to the team, and yet never come up so short.

Some supporters have turned on him. Not because the goals have dried up, more because they believe he is off in the summer, and that his head is already somewhere else.

French radio reported during the international break that Barcelona have already had talks with him. Communication between the two parties would not be difficult because Griezmann shares representation with Barca coach Ernesto Valverde, but nothing is decided yet and Manchester United remain a very viable option.

Griezmann has gone seven games for his club without scoring - his worst ever run for Atletico

While he is in the goals for France, Griezmann has not translated this form to Atletico

He would have moved to Old Trafford last summer if Atletico's appeal against their transfer ban had not failed. As soon as they realised they could not sign a replacement they renegotiated Griezmann's contract and his buy-out was temporarily bumped up from €100m to €200m. It will be back at €100m next summer.

He also felt that it would ruin his legacy at the club if he walked away in their hour of need, just as they had to rely more than ever on players already at the club. If he puts the feelings of Atletico Madrid supporters at the heart of his final decision he may yet decide to leave La Liga completely and head for Manchester rather than Barcelona.

Both moves are hugely appealing. He'll be with his France pal Paul Pogba at United or alongside Leo Messi and Luis Suarez at Barcelona. He enjoys the herbal drink 'Mate' that both players like to share so he will be very much at home at the Camp Nou.

The Manchester option would make his United-supporting brother very happy. Theo Griezmann never misses an opportunity on social media to try to shift his sibling in the direction of Old Trafford. The pair have been there together as fans to watch United play.

Some fans are turning on Griezmann because they think he is already eyeing a move away

None of this speculation amuses Atletico supporters. Even if they accept the 26-year-old is in his last season they want to see him bow out in style. He is not being helped by the lack of a regular strike partner.

On Saturday against Real Madrid coach Diego Simeone is even considering leaving him up front alone, supported by a five-man midfield. He could do with some help as he tries to improve on a record of two goals in nine games in the league and just one in four in the Champions League.

He also seems to have lost the trust of his coach. 'We don't have a player who decides games single-handedly,' said Simeone recently. Three times he has taken Griezmann off in the second half of matches despite chasing the game. He's now gone 596 minutes without scoring and for long periods in too many games he has been anonymous.

Griezmann almost joined Manchester United last summer and Barcelona are also keen on him

The problem for Atletico is that he has two clubs ready to sign him in 2018 and neither will be put off by his drop-off in form. They will just do as Didier Deschamps did this week and blame his club. 'His form is related to the way his team is playing,' said the French manager.

Form is temporary and Griezmann's class is permanent. A player who can sprint and dribble like a winger and leap and head like a centre-forward is worth the €100m he will cost in today's market.

If Atletico can turn things around either in Europe or in La Liga then things will brighten up around the club. In the New Year, Griezmann and Costa ought to be a very special partnership. That's the hope at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Big results in the next seven days against Real Madrid and Roma will keep that dream alive. Griezmann, more than anyone, is the Atletico player with the something special to make it happen.