Much praise has gone onto the success of Atlético Madrid’s signings this summer, however, it is the recent news of star player Antoine Griezmann extending his contract until 2019 that will be seen as a massive coup for Simeone’s side.
After speculation throughout the summer continued to grow, the fear of Atlético Madrid losing their attacking talisman became a realistic possibility. Even Diego Simeone hinted at the prospect of his leading goal scorer moving on last term, one year into arriving in the Spanish capital.
“Un-transferable? Koke, [Diego] Godín and not many more”, Simeone stated back in June.
Chelsea became clear favourites to land the attacking Frenchman, with Bayern Munich and Manchester United also both expressing their interest during the summer transfer period. However, in what looks to be equally satisfying for Atléti faithful, in terms of the successful signings Simeone has made recently, is the news that reports claim of Griezmann signing a new deal to extend his stay at the Vicente Calderón.
According to French newspaper L’Equipe, the Frenchman’s own player agent has confirmed of the current deal being extended a further one year, now running until 2019.
Last week, Griezmann was asked about the interest linking him away from the 2013-14 champions and ended the speculation once and for all.
“I only think about Atlético.
“I have just arrived at this club and I want to grow even more with Atlético. Therefore my thoughts are fixed here”.
To the delight of Los Rojiblancos faithful, and Simeone, for at least one more year the Madrid side will be holding onto their star hitman.
Only Cristiano Ronaldo (48) and Lionel Messi (43) scored more La Liga goals last season than Griezmann, who finished off a superb first season at Atléti with 22 league goals. More importantly noted is that of most of his came in the second-half of the season after, initially struggling to adapt to Simeone’s style of play. Once fully settled into his new club, Griezmann went from strength to strength as he made the transition from left-wing to centre-forward.
If any suggestions of a decline of goalscoring form from the Frenchman existed, they are surely diminished with the schedule Atléti is currently undergoing. After the first pre-season fixture against Sagen Tosu resulting in a poor performance from Atléti that lacked any threat up front, their second encounter against Shanghai SIPG showed a better overall intent from Simeone’s team, especially Griezmann, who scored a double within the first half.
The Frenchman would not stop there, scoring on his return against his former side Real Sociedad, after missing the triangular tournament against CD Guadalajara and Leganés that same day.
With recent signings Jackson Martínez and Luciano Vietto, as well as Fernando Torres and Ángel Correa all competing along Griezmann for first choice honours, pressure for the main role is fierce this term. Having shifted back and forth in pre-season between the 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 formation, both Griezmann and Torres demonstrated keen understanding with one another, and both enjoyed a productive goal scoring run.
However, Simeone who understands the importance in rotation, is likely to interchange both Griezmann and Torres with Martínez and Vietto or Correa. With the added depth in forward positions, the expectations on Griezmann to maintain scoring will not be of much concern as it was throughout last season.
But with the added depth and quality up forward, Simeone will demand to see his side record a better proficiency as a whole this upcoming season.
Atléti struggled for goals last season, with only 67 in the league scored by the third placed team. Rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid, first and second respectively, recorded significantly higher with 110 for the champions and 118 for Atléti’s local rivals. The struggle for goals brought the need for reinforcements, as well as the departure of Croatian Mario Mandžukić.
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Torres, along with Griezmann, is looking sharp and fighting to feature regularly and with Simeone and Atléti faithful hoping Martínez is a hit, they look to have three players capable of scoring double figures, something largely missed last season. If the Frenchman would go on to score double figures, he will have contributed to another excellent campaign for the Madrid side.
Griezmann’s pre-season is already suggesting a proficiency for finding the net and with a tough opening nine fixtures against La Liga’s best, Atléti is going to need their star striker firing from the beginning. The end of speculation evolving Griezmann’s future and his decision to extend his contract will be seen as Simeone’s best transfer business of the summer.
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