Features
LUN 13.08.2018
Atletico Madrid have been one of LaLiga Santander's most active clubs in the transfer market. At the time of writing, Los Rojiblancos have made seven signings: Thomas Lemar, Gelson Martins, Nikola Kalinic, Santiago Arias, Rodri, Nehuen Perez and Antonio Adan. Four of these reinforcements play in midfield or attacking positions.
Following the departures of Fernando Torres, Luciano Vietto, Kevin Gameiro and Gabi, Diego Simeone was quick to reinforce his squad, and Atletico now have as many as eleven players vying for the six midfield and attacking berths. Last season's dynamic trio of Koke, Saul and Thomas Partey remain key to the team, but this year they'll be joined by ex-Villarreal CF star Rodri. The 22-year-old will bring balance to the side, as well as offering plenty of creativity and hard work.
| Kalinic in his first interview as a ‘rojiblanco’.
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) August 10, 2018
”I’m very happy to come to Atlético because they’re a big club“ #AúpaAtleti pic.twitter.com/oXNmJeHibp
Two of the new faces are wide players in the shape of Lemar and Martins, who'll be keen to test full-backs with their pace and trickery. Both the Frenchman and the Portuguese will have a fight on their hands to earn a place in the starting eleven alongside fellow winger Vitolo.
Atletico's attack will of course be led by Antoine Griezmann, who netted 19 times last season in LaLiga Santander, making him the seventh-highest scorer in the competition. Yet it's not only the Frenchman who'll be threatening the opposition's goal - Diego Costa and Angel Correa will be big threats too, as will the club's latest signing Nikola Kalinic. The Croatian was recruited to bring strength and aggression to Simeone's attack.
Eleven players, six places in the team and one objective in mind: finding the back of the net.
© LALIGA - 2018