Opposition view
Dermot Corrigan, Spanish football expert (The Athletic)
On Atletico’s start to the season in La Liga…
There was a lot of excitement and optimism around Atletico after over €150m spent on new players this summer, but much of that drained away as the team took just two points from their first three La Liga games.
Diego Simeone’s team played well in some moments of those games, but kept giving away poor goals, and confidence around the squad was hit. Last weekend’s 2-0 win over Villarreal, however, lifted spirits, though they are already seven points behind leaders and neighbours Real Madrid in La Liga, which was not the start they hoped for.
On head coach Simeone’s style of play and formation…
Simeone is famous for his team’s hard work and defensive grit – especially from the Atletico sides which reached the 2014 and 2016 Champions League finals.
Over the years the squad has evolved – with old warriors like Diego Godin and Gabi moving on, and more technical players such as Julian Alvarez and excellent home-grown midfielder Pablo Barrios becoming the most important in the team.
Atletico are third of all La Liga teams for possession this season with 56.2 per cent (just behind Real Madrid, who have 56.3 per cent) over their four games so far. They have generally lined up in a 4-4-2 system so far this term, although Simeone has often played 3-5-2 over the last few seasons, and could line up that way at Anfield.
