Atletico Madrid season has been mixed so far with the club showing different performances which will be a sign of worry for manager Diego Simeone.
Despite starting the La Liga season in good form with the club leading its rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona with as many as four points, Simeone men find themselves in third position at the time of writing after failing to win at Valladolid.
The Argentine tactician lost several his stalwarts this season with the likes of Diego Godin, Juanfran, FelipeLuiz leaving the club.
This has removed something from the club. The departure of youngsters like Theo Hernandez and Rodri has not also helped the cause. However, Simeone has also been given unprecedented license to sign players with Jao Felix coming in for a record fee as a replacement for Antoine Griezmann.
The former Benfica youngster has had a good campaign so far but has not truly lighted up the league. Atletico attacks still look predictable particulatrly against teams that will sit back and defend. This has always been the problem that the club has faced.
The defence is rock solid as usual conceding the lowest in Laliga but the attack has continued to be the problem of the team. That is one thing that many don’t know, Atletico’s problem is not Barcelona or Real Madrid in the league.
It is that they draw too many games against inferior opponents. This has continued this season. Simeone has tried to use Diego Costa and Alvaro Morata upfront. However, Costa appears to have lost that yard of energy that made him the star forward for Chelsea a few seasons back.
Thomas Partey has been the revelation this season as he has really stepped up in the midfield bringing control and class. It will be interesting to see what Simeone does to the attack after the International break.