Sime Vrsaljko has been a Rojiblanco for just 10 days, but he is already feeling right at home with Atletico Madrid.
The right-back translated his outstanding Euro 2016 form with Croatia into a move away from Italian Serie A side Sassuolo, signing a contract which will tie him down to Atletico until 2021.
Vrsaljko’s Atleti career effectively began in Friday night’s friendly against Tottenham Hotspur at the MCG, and it kicked off in perfect fashion. The Spanish side clinched a 1-0 win courtesy of defender Diego Godin after something of a rusty opening.
Twenty-four-year-old Vrsaljko impressed on the right-hand side, with Atletico often looking to their full-backs and wingers for an outlet.
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After just his second ever Atletico appearance, Vrsaljko revealed his delight at the team’s performance and current position, saying it is ready to attack the new La Liga season.
“I’m very happy because we won today and the performance is important for us,” Vrsaljko said.
“We’ve worked very well in these 10 days with our coaches and we are happy and ready for the season.
“We were a little bit tired but its normal after 24 hours on an aeroplane. But we played very well all together and we won this match.
“(I have settled into the club) very well because we have a good team with a lot of good guys. With them (Atletico), I can only get better.”
Atletico will remain in Melbourne to prepare for a friendly against Melbourne Victory at Simonds Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
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