The break has served Atlético to recover all its injured. Among them, to Matheus Cunha, who suffered a severe knee sprain a month and a half ago (February 16), when Simeone and the fans were most dazzled. The striker was part of Cholo’s plans and he almost felt like a starter, in direct conflict with Suárez. But now Atleti is different, so the Brazilian will have to come back once again.
He already did when he arrived. Cunha signed for Atlético to reinforce the lead, but without the starting band. Suárez was fixed as nine and in front he also had João Félix, Correa… and Griezmann, which landed rushing the market close to the limit. The arrival of the Frenchman further complicated the Olympic champion, who remained as the fifth option. And so it went up the stairs. Simeone gave him entry into complicated games like those of Spanish (entered with 1-0 and finished 1-2), the Getafe (also from 1-0 to 1-2), the Villarreal, the Royal (both from 1-2 against to 2-2)… The Brazilian fulfilled its revulsive function, practically a talisman.
What’s more, Simeone understood that Cunha gave him things that his other strikers don’t give himespecially Suarez. He is voracious in pressuring the rival and very active in unchecking, with airs of the best Diego Costa. And besides he is skillful in combinations. Until his injury, he signed some good records: six goals and two assists in 830 minutes. According to the data it collects Olocipartificial intelligence points to the former Hertha as Atlético’s best in second movesthe second best in assists and the third in through balls.
Cunha, a bullet from the bench
Now Cunha finds that Suárez is trading down, but João Félix is launched, Griezmann is the ideal partner in the eyes of Cholo and Correa always produces and he is still Atleti’s top scorer. But Cunha will have the leading role of him. For example, in the visit to Manchester City, he will be one of the red and white threats from the bench, since its characteristics will add up when it’s time to withdraw and go against. With the Brazilian, the coach expands his range of attacking possibilities.