The Cup match left great news for Atlético: he is still alive in the Cup and He is four games away from being able to lift the title. There is no more satisfactory news for Simeone and his dressing room. Although his party once again failed to convince, as is usual when Atlético plays as a visitor. Of course, he did not suffer for maintain the advantage by the minimum achieved by Griezmann. The Frenchman was, as has happened so many times, the solution to unblock the match. With a quality that the years do not pass by. That silk left hand will always be worth the price of a ticket. It is true that physically he can no longer endure the same efforts, but he still contributes a lot to the team.
And more so in an erratic lead. Where Julián Alvarez spends his lowest hours. The Spider is not there, the games pass before his eyes without him appearing and without him adding up. Neither in the game nor in the scoring section. For Simeone it must be essential to recover his star. He doesn’t save runs, but he doesn’t contribute in attack. And without Julián or Baena sharpened, the team loses a lot of ability to hurt the rival and its ceiling drops dramatically.. The Andalusian didn’t have a good night in A Coruña either. Very isolated on the left and without being decisive the few times the ball reached him.
Two factors that worry and occupy Simeone. That on the other side of the scale he had good news. Because finally Johnny Cardoso could be seen in a complete game at a good pace. With constant help, asking for the ball to start the game and with the ability to recover in the opponent’s field. The American accumulated 384 minutes until he played Riazor’s 90 minutes. The player with the most completed passes in the game (63 of 67 attempts, 94% success rate). Mixing short and long shipments with the intention of breaking lines and looking for the weak side. Good help and dotted balls to steal. Without Gallagher the midfield remains low. Because, furthermore, Koke did not travel due to a contracture. And Barrios returned after overcoming another one.
It is essential to have Johnny adding. And sign a reinforcement in the middle. If the American increases the internal competition, the team will be better. As has happened in the center of the defense. Where Pubill is already indisputable in his own right. Le Normand must be worried with that World Cup just around the corner. Because Catalan has completely won its place. He imposes himself from above, allows the defense to advance meters, takes the ball out and He has an enormous ability to block shots. Besides, mix well with Hancko. They understand and complement each other.
And both can play as full-backs, Pubill on the right and the Slovakian on the left. Which leaves that gap for the return of Giménez, another piece of positive news. Because when Pubill returns to his natural position it is fully guaranteed and allows room for Llorente to climb meters. Winning away again and keeping a clean sheet, positive news for what’s to come. And add warriors to the battle. On Monday, Cup draw. Playing at home seems capital. Before that they will do it against Alavés (Sunday, 4:15 p.m.). Test to prove that Johnny has re-engaged.
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