Atletico Madrid coach hailed the all-round influence of goalscorer and defensive leader Diego Godin after Saturday evening's 2-0 La Liga win at Granada.
Centre-back Godin headed Atletico in front early at the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes and then played a leading role at the back as Simeone's team withstood pressure from Granada before sealing the points late on through Antoine Griezmann's crisp strike.
Asked whether the Uruguay international was La Liga's outstanding defender at the postgame news conference, the Colchoneros coach agreed, adding it was why Atletico had made a big financial effort to award Godin a new contract last year to ward off interest from the Premier League.
"I've been saying that for a long time," Simeone said. "He is playing very very well. His work and his way of mentally going into games puts him in a special place. That is why we insisted to the club this summer to make an extra effort for him."
Atletico's fourth straight win in La Liga -- and their fourth straight clean sheet -- pushed Atletico back up to second place in the table, between the big two of leaders Barcelona and third-placed Real Madrid.
"It was a very complete game," he said. "Continuing our recent level. Security in our pressing and with the intention to break quickly. We weren't able to find the second goal, that meant that Granada, at home, pressed more."
Young midfielders Oliver Torres and Thomas had added something for Atletico when entering as second half substitutes.
"The entrances of Oliver and Thomas were good, they changed things, and gave us more precision in the final metres," Simeone said, before highlighting the importance of focus within the club.
"We have our own way of fighting for championships," he continued. "We live in the present, that is the best way to focus on the future. That philosophy runs through this club, from the stewards to the kit man."
Simeone also praised Saul Niguez, who had not done badly filling in for long-term injury absentee Tiago on the day.
"[Saul] did a good job," Simeone said. "We took him off as he was on a yellow and that worried me. Thomas and Oliver helped us to get the ball forward better. I am very happy with Saul. He can play in different positions in the centre."