How will Atletico Madrid fare in their new era?

No Griezmann, no problem for Atletico

Antoine Griezmann of Club Atletico de Madrid holds his daughter Mia during the La Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Sevilla FC at Wanda Metropolitano on May 12, 2019 in Madrid, Spain.

(May 11, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

Atletico Madrid is firmly into a new era after long-time Los Rojiblancos talisman, Antoine Griezmann vacated the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium for Camp Nou in a wholesome €120 million deal. Atletico would have preferred to hold on to Griezmann, who has been the club’s top scorer for 5 years. The club's strong disapproval of the secret negotiations that the Frenchman had with Barcelona before sharing his imminent departure with his employers vividly communicated their stance. However, the move was an inevitable one and long time coming as the world cup winner had already expressed his intentions to move in 2018. Besides Griezzy, Atleti have also unpacked crucial players during the transfer window that include Rodri, Lucas Hernandez and veteran defenders, Diego Godin, Juanfran and left-back player Filipe Luis. It all marks the end to an entirely different era, one that was Atleti's most successful spell led by Diego Simeone. The voids left by the departures will not be an easy task to fill but who better to take a stab at it other than the Diego Simeone.

As so often happens when a key player leaves a club, it becomes a challenge to find a player who can fill in the monumental role that they played, case in point, arch-rivals Real Madrid and Ronaldo. Atletico Madrid would then presumably struggle to replace the Frenchman and other players who have been instrumental in Atletico's success in recent seasons. However, Los Rojiblancos need to prove that the contrary is true, that the future post-Griezmann Atletico would be promising and that new players can rise to the occasion to continue the standards that Simeone has wonderfully set for himself. A tough ask, perhaps, but new signings are looking the real deal having already bolstered Atletico's confidence who could actually be ready for their first La Liga title since the remarkable 2013/14 triumph. Despite the odds, Atleti's newfound confidence looks to drive the campaign this season. Their performance in the first three games of the season shows that Atletico is hungry for a La Liga title. Exciting times lie ahead for Atletico Madrid as they launch their post-Griezmann title chase.

Joao Felix of Portugal in action during the UEFA Nations League Semi-Final match between Portugal and Switzerland at Estadio do Dragao on June 05, 2019 in Porto, Portugal.

(June 4, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

Joao Felix, the embodiment of Atleti’s new era

When you lose your crucial striker and highest goal scorer for the last five seasons, the struggle to find an equally good player that would seamlessly fit into the position in the present market, would be real. For a fee of €126 million, Joao Felix has proved to be a brilliant substitute for Griezmann in the attack. The young attacking midfielder is a creative and powerful forward, and there are few players in Europe today who have the potential to change the fortunes of an entire team more than Atletico's record signing João Félix. The Portuguese teenage sensation is of a calibre of his own with tremendous talent and ambition, who has been touted by former Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan, that he could help Atletico lift the title this season, while some think he's a future Balon d'Or winner. It's not far fetched to think that he holds the key for Atletico. In his breakout season at his former club, Benfica; he was vital in securing the Portuguese title, scoring 15 goals and served up 11 assists in 21 games. On the hunt for an attacking forward this summer, Atletico put up a cool €126 million; the biggest spend in Atletico history for the teenage sensation. It is a sign that Atletico is looking to invest in the future, rebuilding for a new era with a young player, one with more silverware. He is the perfect fit for the new look Atletico that Diego Simeone is building and central to this would be to develop the talented teenager's abilities that will carry Atletico forward. 

Diego Simeone believes that the greatest quality that Joao Felix has is the quick adaptation and versatility added to that, a strong desire to become better. Watching him play, deciphers why Los Rojiblancos would choose to break the piggy bank for this phenomenal talent. At just 19 years old, he has enough talent that shows potential to become the best in Europe. The move has also benefitted the young player as he tries to make a name for himself. In pre-season he scored three goals in 5 matches and had 4 assists, a more than impressive start.

 Are Atletico ready to be crowned champions?

Diego Simeone's squad is showing early signs of title form, posting three wins in three. It is more significant that while Los Rojiblancos have a solid footing this season, rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid have struggled to swoop their first three matches. Real Madrid are still battling with the departure of Ronaldo and despite purchasing an amazing arsenal of players coming into the season including Chelsea top man, Eden Hazard, they have not gotten into a recognizable dominant form. Atletico have also finished above their Madrid neighbors in the last two seasons coming into this new campaign. Public scuffles between Real boss Gareth Bale and injuries that have sidelined Hazard, Eder Militao, Rodrygo signal troubling time for people's champion, Zinadine Zidane. In the first three matches, Atletico have looked sharper and more organized than the squad at Bernabeau.

 Similar sluggish start for Barcelona has strengthened a title contention for last season’s runner ups. If not, there are still many opportunities for Atletico to grow, managing to push past Barcelona. Atletico looks like a more organized and confident side going into this season. The last time Atletico posted a perfect start as they have this season, was in their near-perfect title chase in 2013/14.

Assessing Los Rojiblanco's current squad

As a unit, Atletico is a solid squad that is youthful with some experienced players in the line-up such as Diego Costa. The Spaniard will lead in front alongside Alvaro Morata and Joao Felix. Costa’s performances, instinct and aggression are a set of skills that can make him highly influential for Atleti if the 30-year old were to perform at his highest this season. Alvaro who is on loan from Chelsea until 2020, where the plan is for him to sign on to the Los Rojiblancos permanently also completes a trio that has the potential to cause havoc in Spain and Europe once the UCL starts.

Diego Godin of Atletico Madrid chats with Diego Simeone, manager of Atletico Madrid after Godin's last home match for the club at the end of the La Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Sevilla FC at Wanda Metropolitano on May 12, 2019 in Madrid, Spain.

(May 11, 2019 - Source:/Getty Images Europe)

Simeone’s men also have a lot of talent to work with in the midfield, with the signing of Marcos Llorente from Real Madrid and Hector Herrera who will bring creativity. Ghanaian international, Thomas Partey who scored a crucial goal against Eibar in their third league match will become increasingly important after the departure of Rodri, proving more and more that he is a critical figure in the centre of the park.

Alteti are looking very different at the back this season, owing to the departures of Juanfran, Diego Godin and Filipe Luis. Simeone brought in Spanish defender Mario Hermoso from Espanyol for a €25 million fee to join the duo of Stefan Savić and Jose Giménez in central defence. Hermoso will play a vital role in the strengthening Atletico's defence while, former Tottenham right-back Kieran Trippier hopes to revive his title-winning ambitions on the continent.

 Conclusion

Atletico might be entering into a new era in their club history, but there they come into it blazing and ready to rise to the occasion. The player to watch is undoubtedly Joao Felix, the name that is buzzing in Madrid at this moment, the biggest reason for this newfound excitement and interest in what Atletico has to offer. The talented teen is set to reach peak form at the club where Simeone will develop and finesse his skills. The future for Atletico looks young, focused, ambitious and ready to dominate Spain.

 What do you think could be the biggest roadblock for Atleti this season?

“Diego Simeone believes that the greatest quality that Joao Felix has is the quick adaptation and versatility added to that, a strong desire to become better. Watching him play, deciphers why Los Rojiblancos would choose to break the piggy bank for this phenomenal talent.”

— Margaret Mandeya, FirstTouch Africa

FT World Cup 2018: Round of 16 Preview [Argentina vs France]

France vs Argentina is a salivating matchup on paper, as both nations boast a wealth of talent across the pitch, especially in midfield and attacking positions. As underwhelming as each team has been through in the group stage though, one must remind themselves that France and Argentina are familiar with this stage of international competition. In recent memory, France reached the Finals of Euro 2016, and the Quarter Finals of World Cup 2014 and are more than overdue a major international trophy. The same could easily be said about La Albiceleste, who reached the Copa America Final in both 2015 and 2016 only to lose to Chile on both occasions. Argentina also made it to the World Cup Final against Germany in 2014, ending up losers again in a 1-0 extra time drama.  Even though each may have underperformed thus far in Russia Here are our three reasons for each nation on why we believe they could progress to the 2018 World Cup Quarter Final.

Argentina

They have the best player on the field

As it has been for each of Argentina’s games in the tournament so far, Messi has been the best player on the pitch. Against France, it will be no different. It is no secret that France will field a more talented side than Argentina on Saturday, but Argentina will take solace in the fact that similar to themselves, France has looked uninspired and disjointed at times. Lionel Messi is a man ready to seize the moment and has proven that time and time again over the course of his career. His 3-touch majestic goal against Nigeria in a must-win situation should be more than proof that the Barca man could prove a match winner at any moment.

They will have momentum after the huge win

France hasn’t played poorly by any means so far in Russia, but they haven’t exactly impressed either. At times they have even played down to their competition during the group stage, which could be a sign that they have yet to receive a stern enough test. Argentina experienced need the opposite in their journey to the Round of 16. Argentina was tried, tested, and bullied around in each of their matchups against Iceland, Croatia, and Nigeria. In a must-win match against the Naija Boys, they rose to the occasion through a late Marcus Rojo winner which will surely give them confidence that anything can happen for them this tournament.

Ever Banega

As much has been said about Soampali and his controversial control of “his” men during the group stage, maybe his biggest mistake in the first match was not starting Ever Banega over Lucas Biglia. Everybody and their mum knew that Iceland would remain compact and up to the task of defending behind the ball against Argentina in Round 1, so it shocked Parnell and me when we saw Biglia’s name on the starting lineup sheet next to Javier Mascherano, already a more than a capable holding midfielder. In this appearance later that game, and especially against Nigeria, Banega has shown his quality, and could easily be regarded as Argentina’s 2-3 most influential player thus far in the tournament. Even if Deschamps adjust France’s tactics to press Banega and attempt to shut down his playmaking abilities, Argentina should still see this as a positive as it will divert France’s (mainly Kante’s) attention away from Messi at times.

France

They have a more balanced squad and more depth

We have all seen the mock team sheets and memes at this point of France’s B and C teams. Their depth of talent in the tournament can only be rivaled by Brazil or Spain, and whatever starting XI that Deschamps selects will be full of technical ability, pace, and industry. Cohesion is the one adjective that has so far evaded Les Bleus in Russia, but if they find juice on Saturday, as we already saw against Croatia, Lionel Messi can’t play in goal as well.

Antoine Griezmann vs Javier Mascherano

Masche put in vintage and inspirational performance in Argentina’s dramatic win against Nigeria on Tuesday. He was everywhere Argentina needed him to be and then some, as he harassed Nigeria’s midfield and front men, refusing to let any opposing player in the attacking third feel comfortable on the ball. Nigeria has no shortage of talent in their team, but they don’t have a Griezmann. As deadly a finisher the Atletico forward can be in and around the box, he is a player who’s the best quality may be his clever movement and ability to create space for himself. To make matters worse for Argentina and Mascherano, France has a wealth of players who can break lines and push forward past the midfield third, which makes it easier for Griezmann to drift and occupy space in dangerous areas. Even if Masche marshals him well, it may only take one chance for Griezmann to make the Argentinians pay for leaving him open.

Pace, pace, and more pace

We have seen Argentina’s midfield and defense struggle to adapt to a few tactics in Russia, but perhaps what is most indefensible for them will be the genuine and industrious pace of France. Nigeria may have possessed a similar weapon, but ultimately broke down in the final third a bit too often to finish off Argentina in their gutting 2-1 loss. But that doesn’t mean that they didn’t get into the dangerous positions in the first place. France has more than enough pace through the likes of Mbappe, Griezmann, and Dembele to stretch Otamendi and Rojo and allow Pogba and Matuidi to burst forward and create numbers in the oppositions half. Even though Banega could prove a big asset for Argentina going forwards, he will have to do his fair share of tracking if Argentina hopes to retain defensive numbers against France’s attack.