Atlético has an octopus in its midfield. Geoffrey Kondogbia has shown his best version when the team needed him most, leaving two exhibitions at the Wanda Metropolitano when stealing and covering the field before the visits of the Manchester teams. yes by your side there was a lack of speed and creativity in the movement of possessionthe figure of the Central African has been amplified and last Wednesday he allowed the team to lie down with a seat belt guarding their backs.
Kondogbia was one of Atlético’s most outstanding players throughout the tie and in the second leg he showed a key physical superiority for a second half to an open grave. Stealing, going down to receive, breaking lines through driving and dribbling and breaking lines with long passes to stretch the team. And, if City was forced to play long from Ederson due to the high red and white pressure, Kondogbia was a rock that no member of the English team could break. the central african he won eight of the nine melee duels he was measured in, 88.9% of physical clashes with an opponent.
Without the need to commit any fault, it was a constant shadow for the De Bruynes, Gündogan, Foden and companythat they did have to stop him three times with infractions to avoid his evolution in driving. Kondogbia also finished with six recoveries and 33 good passes of the 42 he attempted (78.6%). The midfielder usually has his biggest enemy in injuries. After his great role at home against Manchester United repeated in eleven against Celta, giving the two assists to Lodi, but having to be substituted with new muscular problems.
Kondogbia has been gaining more and more presence in Simeone’s schemes. The Argentine coach he had bet last season in many games for Koke as pivot and anchor of the team. The captain is having more difficulties this course in dominating the games and adapting to the rhythm of the games. And there Kondogbia gives a physical plus without neglecting the ball out and that danger generated by looking for the back of a rival side with long shipments. After joining a year ago for Thomas with the course already started, the Central African is completely adapted to the team. Face to a very important end of the campaign with the Champions League at stake and also when it comes to making the next squad, Kondogbia has gone arguments to be a key piece for Simeone. His match against City, one more example of his growth and ability to be an untouchable in the coach’s plans.