Simeone salutes Kane's Ballon d'Or as in-form Atletico await Bayern

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone hailed Harry Kane as a worthy Ballon d'Or winner as ​his buoyant side prepare to put their nine-game ‌unbeaten run on the line against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Simeone praised the England captain's enduring scoring ​instinct ahead of the clash at the Metropolitano ​stadium.

"Firstly, I'd like to congratulate him on his ⁠well-deserved Ballon d'Or. It's incredible – I've always admired him," ​Simeone said.

"As he's matured over the years, he's found ​his best form without losing his eye for goal; he knows what the team needs."

The Argentine said Kane's influence extended beyond ​his performances.

"His talent is a real asset to ​the game and to the young players who look up to ‌him, ⁠because he leaves a legacy showing that you can achieve great things through hard work."

Atletico have won eight of their last nine matches in all competitions, including ​a 2-1 LaLiga ​derby victory ⁠over Real Madrid.

They sit 16th in the Champions League standings with four points ​from three matches, one point behind 14th-placed ​Bayern, who ⁠arrive after successive draws in the competition.

"Finding that balance and consistency is the hardest part, and it's what ⁠all ​of us coaches want," Simeone said.

"We ​need to enjoy the run and approach it with enthusiasm as we ​move forward."