Atlético de Madrid made a big statement last summer when they managed to sign a global star as Julián Álvarez has already proven to be. The Argentine forward, despite a hesitant start, has shown to be one of the best players in the world and has scored 22 goals this season. The world champion has surpassed Luis Suárez's records from the 2020-21 season and is poised to be the best-performing signing in the Simeone era.
Someone who didn't hesitate to praise him after the match against Real Madrid is journalist Matías Prats, who spoke on El Desmarque. Despite the defeat, the tie is still alive, and one of the keys to reaching the next round is having the best version of the forward. His goal last Tuesday has been nominated for the best of the matchday in the Champions League, and all the messages from the locker room show they are convinced they can achieve it.
Julián Álvarez Justifies His Signing
Looking back to last summer, many didn't understand the price Atlético de Madrid was going to pay for the footballer, considering him a substitute. It's true that Manchester City had one of the most extensive forward lines in Europe, which forced Julián Álvarez to wait for his opportunity. Even so, he managed to score 19 goals last season, being the substitute for Erling Haaland when the Norwegian was injured.
Pep Guardiola himself stated that he would have liked to keep the striker but understood his need to feel like a protagonist at another great club. So far, he has already scored 22 goals, surpassing his best figure since arriving in Europe in 2022. Additionally, he could be the best signing of the Simeone era, as he is very close to surpassing Antoine Griezmann's mark in the 2014-15 season.
Matías Prats Showers Him with Praise
The renowned journalist analyzed the match from last Tuesday and didn't hesitate to talk about the arrival of the world champion and his strong impact on Atlético de Madrid. "It was a cheap signing, Atlético de Madrid swindled Manchester City last summer," he said about Julián Álvarez's addition to the team. "In September, I said he was going to be a world soccer star, that he was going to make history at Atlético, and you all laughed," he recalled.
Some even think he is showing a better level than Kylian Mbappé, who once again went unnoticed with Real Madrid. Now, although there is a demanding match on Sunday against Getafe, the reality is that everyone is focused on the return leg next Wednesday. The Metropolitano is going to be a real cauldron and hopes to lead the Atlético team to the next round where Arsenal will be waiting.