By Graham Ruthven
Giuliano Simeone, 21-year-old son of Diego, has been a revelation for Atlético Madrid in current weeks. Certainly, his breakthrough has coincided with a turnaround within the workforce’s fortunes with the capital outfit now on a streak of 5 straight wins in all competitions. Simeone has featured in all of them.
After all, there’s extra to Atleti’s turnaround than simply the performances of the younger attacker, however Simeone set the tone for the return of ‘Cholismo,’ the distinctive model of play for which his father has change into famend for over the past 13 years. Like father, like son, the 2 Simeones clearly view soccer in the identical means.
Not for the primary time, Simeone began the season making an attempt to evolve Atleti’s model of play. He spoke concerning the want for a extra expansive, fashionable strategy. Signings have been made in the summertime switch window to facilitate this transition. On the pitch, although, Atlético Madrid ended up in ideological no-man’s land.
This was most stark within the Champions League defeats to Benfica and Lille, when Atleti conceded seven targets in two video games. Simeone’s workforce have been neither one factor nor the opposite – that they had misplaced their trademark defensive fibre whereas additionally failing to change into the attack-minded, inventive outfit Simeone envisaged.
A 2-0 house win over Las Palmas proved to be the turning level, although. Handed a begin on the suitable aspect, Giuliano Simeone opened the scoring by bursting in behind the opposition backline and ending into the far nook. From the direct operating to the ruthless end, it was a purpose firmly rooted within the rules of ‘Cholismo.’
Simeone’s contribution can’t be quantified purely by targets and assists, although. Whereas the teenager gives one thing within the last third, additionally registering an help in a win over Mallorca, it’s his work charge and angle that has stood out most of all. It’s straightforward to see why Diego Simeone now sees his son as a key determine inside his workforce.
“He’s working nicely, he’s coaching nicely…” mentioned Simeone concerning the breakthrough of the younger ahead. “So long as there’s humility, the center all the time responds. He did what he needed to do, that’s why he’s at Atlético. The membership didn’t spend cash to purchase a son, he’s a boy who was within the youth academy… we imagine he may help. He may have good video games and dangerous video games, however for certain he has what it takes.”
When Atleti have been trailing at house to Alavés on Saturday, Simeone was launched off the bench to show the sport round. Taking part in in a proper wing again place, the 21-year-old was key in driving the house workforce ahead to a comeback victory. His versatility is one thing else that makes him so precious.
Considered one of Atlético Madrid’s largest points earlier this season was their frailty within the full again areas. Nahuel Molina and Reinildo have been regularly focused by opposition wingers recognising the house to be exploited in behind. Two modifications, nevertheless, have shored up this a part of the Atleti workforce in current matches.
At left again, Javi Galán has unexpectedly pressure his means into the lineup largely because of the power he gives on each side of the ball. And on the opposite wing, Simeone gives way more safety to Molina and has even emboldened his fellow Argentinean to get ahead at occasions – like he did for the equaliser towards Paris Saint-Germain.
With César Azpilicueta now again from harm and Marcos Llorente one other participant able to enjoying on the suitable aspect, there may not be such an onus on Simeone to guard the complete again behind him, however the 21-year-old has already demonstrated sufficient to show he deserves a spot in Atlético Madrid’s future.
He may also have a spot in Argentina’s future after making his nationwide workforce debut within the final worldwide window. At this level, the Simeone household is an Argentinean soccer dynasty with Giovanni Simeone additionally a member of La Albiceleste. Nowhere is the sense of ‘Cholismo’ stronger, nevertheless, than the Metropolitano.
Atleti nonetheless have enhancements to make if they’re to get pleasure from a profitable season. They want better consistency from Julián Alvarez after spending £82m on the ahead in the summertime window. The midfield unit continues to be a priority as a consequence of a scarcity of physicality and mobility from Koke and Rodrigo De Paul.
Simeone might be criticised for his newest deserted try to evolve Atlético Madrid, however his son has helped to level the workforce in the suitable course once more. A beneficial run of fixtures till a gathering with Barcelona earlier than Christmas will give Atleti the chance to proceed their restoration. Giuliano will nearly definitely play an essential function in these video games as he has the previous few.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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