The issue of 9 has given a lot to talk about at Atlético since last summer. I arrive Cunhabut then so did Griezmann and the Brazilian seemed relegated to a minority role. They were from before Suarez, Joao Felix and Correa, but with the newcomer something happened: with him in the field there were important comebacks (Espanyol, Getafe, Villarreal, Valencia…). And for the derby, after doing various tests in the previous matches, Simeone bet on Matheus. And the Brazilian was good in everything… except in the goal.
Cunha had good chances. The best of all was a heads up that Lunin won. He also tried almost from midfield, but it went over the crossbar. Another shot outside and one that crashed into the defense. Beyond the statistics and the good combinations with the ball, he was also decisive, causing the 1-0 penalty. But above all, he seduces Simeone for his work when the rival has the ball. Your straining pressure no other footballer in the squad is offering it right now. the battering ram he stole and intercepted seven balls, five of them in the Madrid field. Camavinga and Casemiro suffered the burdens that Cunha submits to when he presses. The Brazilian came out in the 89th minute to a standing ovation from the Wanda Metropolitano.
The necessary icing on the goal
He did not score, yes, nor did any of the other forwards. Griezmann had them of all colors, Correa also touched the goal in the first half and Suárez did not even jump onto the field. At Atleti, in fact, only Carrasco scores a goal. In the last seven games, the rojiblanco team has only celebrated three goals. All of them were marked by the Belgiantwo to Espanyol and last night in the derby.
But with Cunha you look at the present and the future at Atlético. This season has given reason to trust that it can be important. Also that he can still polish his definition. If Suárez does not renew, the Brazilian will go up -at least- one step and performances such as the derby reinforce Berta’s commitment. The sports management surveys the market, but there are not many affordable options that improve Cunha’s performance and potential. The Brazilian says it in his own way: he wants to be number 9 for Atleti.