The spider is now a reality and the Atlético fans have gone completely crazy. Few predicted such an ending when it became known at the beginning of the transfer market that Atlético de Madrid were interested in the Argentine. Rubén Uría was one of the few who said "whether it happens or not, Atlético de Madrid should aim to go for players like this."
Many called him crazy or a charlatan, well, the renewal of the squad is a fact and Julián is already wearing the red and white. In this way, the colchoneros have changed Álvaro Morata and Memphis Depay for Alexander Sørloth and Julián Álvarez. Nothing less.
Now the ball is in Simeone's court. How can he fit in so much talent without losing balance and knowing that the most important thing is the team? As the saying goes, he who is good can play anywhere. Let's see where 'the spider' can play in Cholo's system.
With or without a reference striker?
The answer is probably both options are correct . The Argentine striker has shown versatility in attack, both at River and Manchester City, as well as with the Argentine National Team.
If he plays with a striker, such as the Norwegian Alexander Sørloth, Julián usually plays on the left flank where he can make a diagonal move inwards. He can also play as an attacking midfielder behind the centre forward, however in Simeone's system he is more likely to be seen on the left or as we will explain below.
If he doesn't play with a striker, he could play the role of a lone striker. In this case, he would be a much more mobile attacker, leaving the centre-backs without a clear marker and creating space by dragging defenders with his runs.
We have also seen this role in the Argentine National Team when in the last World Cup he took the place of a certain Lautaro Martínez, who also knows something about football. With the Albiceleste he has also played in a double striker with Leo Messi or on the right side.
A world crack
To finish this brief summary of where Julián Álvarez could play, I would like to show you the FBREF statistical table . This table reflects the statistics of a player in a certain position during the last 365 days. However, the key to this metric is that it compares them with their peers , in this case, from the five major leagues (since Julián has played in the Premier League).
If you look closely, in all the attacking statistics, Julianis among the best in the world . Above all, he stands out in front of goal in all three goal metrics, including penalties, a subject that is still pending for the red and whites.
Last year, as a substitute for Haaland, not very common in Pep Guardiola's starting XI, he finished the season scoring up to 18 goals in all competitions . To put it in context, this year, which has been the best of Álvaro Morata's entire career, he scored 21 goals.
Whatever position he plays, Diego Pablo Simeone will have a blessed problem. Julián's best version is still likely to be seen and his compatriot will be key in this development.