Part of Atlético de Madrid's success this season is thanks to having regained good defensive solidity. Simeone knew that to be competitive again, they had to be a team that was hard to score against, and that's how it's been. The red-and-whites are the least scored against in LaLiga, allowing them to be in the fight with Real Madrid and Barcelona for the title.
As for the Champions League, except for the fateful match in Lisbon, Simeone's team has shown solidity at the back. This defensive success has an entirely unexpected main actor, Clement Lenglet, the center-back on loan from FC Barcelona. Expectations for the Frenchman were quite low, but it seems that Cholo is once again bringing out his best version.
A second youth
Diego Pablo Simeone, after the departure of Mario Hermoso, needed a new left-footed center-back for the team. After several operations Atlético de Madrid had in mind stalled, they turned to the Barcelona center-back, who was looking for a way out. An agreement was reached with the Catalan club for a simple loan until the end of the season, but it seems that Cholo is asking for his signing.
During the press conference before the Champions League match against RB Salzburg, the Argentine coach spoke about Lenglet. "Clement is a more positional center-back than Le Normand and Giménez, much more intelligent from his physical structure and takes advantage of his characteristics. Lenglet plays very well with his feet and perhaps offers us something different in the team's ball exit," concluded Diego Pablo Simeone.
Another great match
Lenglet has been at a high level for several weeks and has established himself as a key piece in Simeone's scheme. In Atlético de Madrid's last match, last Wednesday against Salzburg, he once again left a great impression. Not so demanded in defense, due to the opponent, the French center-back showcased his great left foot in the ball exit.
As has been known, Simeone and Atlético de Madrid's intention is clear, to negotiate his signing with Barcelona. The coaching staff is delighted with his performance and wants to count on him for next season. If nothing goes wrong, the French defender will be the first signing of the summer.