Atlético turns left

Atlético were league champions last season and had one of their strong points on the right wing. The connection between Trippier and Marcos Llorente He gave Simeone’s team a lot of joy and both were key to the title. Atletico now turns to the left and that is where it causes danger to rivals: Lodi, Carrasco, João Félix… Atlético has changed wings to create danger, although Carrasco’s good level last season meant that he also had a prize on the left.

Trippier and Marcos Llorente understood each other perfectly and the penetrations of the Madrilenian by his band, supported by Trippier, were a weapon widely used by Simeone. Marcos Llorente played 45 games (37 in LaLiga and eight in the Champions League) and scored 13 goals (12 in the league championship and one in European competition) and distributed 12 assists (11 in LaLiga and one in the Champions League). Some very important numbers. The difference with this year is abysmal, since he has not been able to perform as well as then. Injuries have damaged him a lot and Trippier’s departure has meant that he has had to play many games at right back. Now we are beginning to see the Marcos Llorente of last year. He has played 26 games (18 in the league tournament, six in the Champions League, one in the Cup and another in the Spanish Super Cup), He has not yet scored and has given two assists (one in LaLiga and another in the Cup).

Trippier, meanwhile, played 35 games (28 league and eight European) and distributed six assists. Atlético had a hard time when they had to stop playing due to the sanction imposed by the FA. His departure to Newcastle in this past winter market has been a setback for the rojiblanco team, since he had fitted in perfectly with Simeone’s team from the beginning.

Atlético signed Wass and Reinildo to reinforce themselves at the back. The first was injured and the second is a regular starter for Cholo. He has played as a left-footed center back and that has freed Lodi from defensive duties, a footballer who scored a brace in the match against Celta. He will also do it with Carrasco when the Belgian joins the team. Lodi has played 29 games (19 in LaLiga, seven in the Champions League, two in the Cup and one in the Spanish Super Cup). He has scored three goals (two in LaLiga and one in the Cup) and has provided four assists (one in the League, two in the Champions League and one in the Cup). Last season, in 33 games, he scored a goal and provided two assists, all in the league championship. Simeone had not trusted the Brazilian very much, but he has given him minutes in the face of the crisis in the game and the team’s results, and now he is beginning to offer a good performance. Kondogbia, displaced to the left after Herrera’s irruption in the middle, gets on well with Lodi.

João Félix also tilts Atlético to the left. The Portuguese has already become indisputable for Simeone, a regular starter, and is a danger to rivals, beyond his goals or assists. In December he was already the best of the team, despite the fact that Atlético could not add points against Real Madrid, Seville and Granada. But he already aimed at a high level, something that he has corroborated in recent games, against Osasuna, Manchester or Celta. João Félix goes on the attack from that left side and from there he tries to connect with the other striker, now Correa, or with a midfielder who goes on the attack. The Portuguese has played 26 games (18 in LaLiga, five in the Champions League, two in the Copa del Rey and one in the Super Cup). He has scored five goals (three in LaLiga, one in the Champions League and one in the Cup) and given five assists (three in LaLiga, one in the Champions League and one in the Super Cup). João Féllix has to contribute much more in terms of goals. Last season, in 40 games, he scored ten goals (seven in league competition and three in Europe) and provided six assists, all in LaLiga. His influence in the game is increasing and now he is acquiring the regularity that Simeone asked for.

Carrasco or Lemar also stretch Atlético to the left side. Carrasco has three goals, all in the league championship, and six assists (five in LaLiga and one in the Champions League). He has played 23 in LaLiga, six in the Champions League, two in the Cup and one in the Super Cup. For several games, Atlético clung to the Belgian’s snatches down the left lane. Last year he already gave Atlético fans a lot of joy, since in 35 games he made seven goals and eleven assists (10 in LaLiga and one in the Champions League).