Atlético de Madrid are already thinking about the next match against Girona after their debut on Monday against Villarreal. The draw against the yellow submarine left some notes, both positive and negative, for the start of the season. Obviously, the players still need to get into rhythm, finishing the matches with a lot of fatigue in their legs after having played few official matches.
Simeone has already carried out his first test today in view of the theoretical starting eleven that will come out this Sunday against the Catalan team. One of the big surprises in the attacking zone would be Julián Álvarez , who could start alongside Antoine Griezmann . In that case, the biggest loser would be Alexander Sorloth , who made his debut as a goalscorer in the first match of the league championship.
Opportunity for Julian Alvarez
All Atletico fans know that the world champion has arrived at Atlético de Madrid to be an important piece. His substitution against Villarreal was justified, as he joined training late and did not play any friendly matches. Even so, Simeonebrought on Julián Álvarez for the last few minutes of the match, although he was unable to take part in any notable action.
Now, with several training sessions still ahead of him, Julián Álvarez is set to start for the clash against Girona. According to the tests carried out today in Majadahonda, the Argentine would be accompanied in attack by Antoine Griezmann . The one who would remain on the substitutes' bench is Alexander Sorloth , who started and scored the first goal in the match against Villarreal.
In his first minutes in the red and white shirt, Julián Álvarez was positioned as a centre forward, flanked by Ángel Correa . Although he still needs to reach his best physical form, it is not surprising that Simeone could give him a starting role in a month with so many games. It is important to remember that Atlético de Madrid will have to face three games in a period of seven days before the September break.
Koke, another player in doubt
In today's test, Simeone had another big change, in this case related to the captain of the Atlético team, who would be a substitute. According to the Argentine coach's test, the midfield would be formed by Rodrigo de Paul , Pablo Barrios and Samuel Lino . In this formation, Koke would also start from the substitutes' bench , something that is not usual for Simeone .
Against Villarreal , the Spanish midfielder was substituted in the second half, despite Pablo Barrios being on. Obviously, Koke is a more experienced player and he will have to be controlled so that he can cope with such a long season in the best possible way. There are still several sessions left in Majadahonda, but it seems that Simeone has started to shake up the team as soon as possible.