Conor Gallagher leading hosts into new-look derby. The other transfer of Julian Alvarez from Manchester City for 75 million euros certainty raised eyebrows.
Atletico fans optimistic that the Argentine World Cup winner will emulate great number nines of the past such as Fernando Torres, Sergio Aguero and Radamel Falcao.
Atletico’s new strikers, however, are taking longer to settle. So far Alvarez has struggled, often looking lost and isolated, unsure of his role.
Difference between Simeone’s style of play
There is a big difference between Simeone’s style of play and the approach that Alvarez became used to under Pep Guardiola at City, so perhaps it’s not surprising that he’s taking a while to look comfortable.
Alvaro Benito of sports newspaper AS in Spain summed up the initial misgivings over Alvarez’s performances, saying: “He’s a long way from his best version. I don’t know the reason, whether it’s adaptation or if he didn’t arrive in physical shape. But everyone can see it – he’s far from what he could offer.”
Alvarez was even dropped for Thursday’s trip to Celta Vigo in favour of Simeone’s son, Giuliano. But he responded to the critics by coming off the bench and meeting a delicious 90th-minute cross from Antoine Griezmann to convert the only goal of the game, which could act as the catalyst his Atletico career needed.
Alvarez’s new strike partner
Alvarez’s new strike partner, Alexander Sorloth, has also struggled to show his best since arriving for 32 million euros from Villarreal.
The Norwegian international is an old-fashioned target man, outstanding in the air, who bustled his way to 35 league goals over the past two seasons. But he’s only managed one for his new club as the focal point of a forward line that just hasn’t been clicking.
Conor Gallagher leading hosts into new-look derby
With Griezmann still pulling the strings, and wide ammunition provided by Samuel Lino and Marcos Llorente, Atletico should have all the pieces to become a formidable attacking force. But so far the new 100 million duo haven’t offered any improvement on much-maligned previous pair Alvaro Morata and Joao Felix.
The pressure is starting to grow on Simeone to find a formula that allows his expensive stars to shine, and he will be desperately hoping that Alvarez’s last-gasp winner on Thursday will prove to be a turning point in his la Liga campaign.