Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has lavished praise on Argentine forward Angel Correa following his rise to prominence this season.

The 20-year-old's career and long-term health were in doubt last year when it was revealed that he had to undergo surgery in order to correct a heart problem.

Correa has since recovered from the operation, however, and has been thrust into first-team action for Atletico this season, in addition to joining up with the Argentina squad for their 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

"[Correa's] worked for and earned everything which is happening to him," Simeone told reporters. "There's no age in football. He started against Real Madrid and wasn't afraid, and before that he made his debut in the Champions League and scored a goal. He's ready.

"He's a unique player who has no fear, with speed, dribbling. It's very difficult to find a player who can turn like him, especially in the box."

Correa started and finished Argentina's 2-0 defeat to Ecuador in their World Cup qualifier on Friday.