Thread by @Wxvey_a, Why are Atletico Madrid so Good? [THREAD] Thomas Lemar:Since he arrived in [...]

Why are Atletico Madrid so Good? [THREAD]

Thomas Lemar:
Since he arrived in Spain he has looked a shadow of himself from what we witnessed in Monaco. But this season he has proved his doubters wrong.
One reason for this can be the fact that he has now playing centrally which was due to Diego Simeone formation change.

Instead of playing with a 4-4-2 Formation that they were once renowned for, Simeone has converted to a 3-5-2 or a 3-1-4-2 formation when having possession & lastly 5-3-2 without the ball.

This formation changed has enabled him to have more freedom and be apart of all the build up play as oppose to being a touchline winger as stated by Lemar in the image below he has found his position and is happier than ever.

This is also added to the fact that his XG and XA has reflected on him so far positively with 1 of each, although you may say that's poor his role isn't to get G/A but to be apart of the build up.

But one such positive stat that he is thriving is in oddly in defense as his pressing game has improved remarkably and being a career high for himself, registering the following:
Successful Presses: 51 (5th)
Pressing Percentage: 28.5%
Press in the middle 3rd: 99 (3rd)

Mario Hermoso:
Atletico Madrid defence has always been robust and hard to break down, but another change has occurred this season with Diego Simeone making the defence more attacking. Jan Oblak is atleast in the conversation when it comes Top 3 Goalkeeper's in the world.

Despite losing Diego Godin last season, Mario Hermoso has stepped up alongside Stefan Savic where they both contribute in attack as Hermoso actually leads the team in completed passes in the final 3rd.
1) Hermoso (94)
2)Kokè (84)
3)Savic (66)

This season has seen Mario Hermoso become one of the best ball playing CB in not only the league but the world. This isn't his 1st time as in Espanol, Hermoso was registering 79 passes in the final 3rd in 32apps, whereas the 94 this season has come in 15 apps.

Yannick Carrasco:
Carrasco return from China came off as a major suprise to Atletico fan but this season he has proved why Atletico bought him back as his versatility has helped them a lot. Carrasco playing as a RWB, LWB, LW, RW makes him a good option

Looking beyond the G/A numbers Yannick Carrasco has outshone his team when it comes to Shot Creations Actions Per 90:
1)Carrasco (37 = 3.55)
2)Felix (33 = 2.95)
3)Correa (30 = 2.72)

*Shot Creating Actions is essentially any action weather that being a pass, dribble, drawing a foul in an attempt on goal. Is classes as a Shot Creating Action.

This plays a major role in another figure that Carrasco excels in that being Goal Creating actions Per 90:
1) Carrasco (7 = 0.67)
2) Felix (7 = 0.63)
3) Correra (7 = 0.63)

As well being somewhat of a dribble King at Atletico Madrid as he is leading progressive carries with:
1) Carrasco (99)
2) Felix (81)
3) Hermoso (73)

As well carries into the Penalty Box:
1) Carrasco (23)
2) Correra (13)
3) Felix (7)

Marcos Llorente:
Ever since the win against Liverpool at Anfield Llorente has been converted into an attacking midfielder/ second striker. Which is a major step up given he was originally a CDM.

He is thriving when it comes to the attacking aspect as he is hitting his XG and XA with:
xG: 2.1
Goals: 6

xA:1.3
Assist: 5

This is still overshadowed by his pressing & balling recovering, he blocks more passes then any other player in the Atletico side. Combining his tackles & interceptions he is only behind Tripper & Kokè. But leads his team in pressing in the middle of the pitch & in the final 3rd

As well as having the most successful pressing in anyone else in the team. Successful pressing is applying pressure to the opppnent and that the team recovers the ball 5sec of that press. Added with his tackling which 8s ranked 4th in the whole squad.

Luis Suarez at Barcelona during the last 2yrs it was evident that age was getting to him, his finishing was a worry but not what we initially thought at the time. Looking his expected goals whilst at Barca he was still performing well
2018/19: 21G (xG 21)
2019/20: 16G (xG 13.9)

Sadly at Barcelona with all the ongoing problems behind the scenes Luis Suarez was kicked out of the club and was reluctant enough to join Atletico Madrid, selling Morata to Juventus. Which seems to be an impressive move for both parties.

With Luis Suarez registering 17apps so far and getting 16 goals and 2 assists in the process. Suarez impressive performances have only rubbed off of the players around namely Joao Felix, who had a mixed bag of praise and critics following his big move from Benfica last season.

Last season he was still performing well as he was playing the ball into dangerous areas for strikers to latch onto such as Morata and Costa both having poor seasons, but this season the picture has changed due Suarez upfront.

But this can also be added with the fact that given his age his final balls were inconsistent and his shots being medicare but his dribbling was solid. Ending the campaign with 6G and 1A in 27apps.

This season he still plays as a 2nd striker and kind of plays as a free roam but he drops a bit more in the pitch to be apart of the play. Currently Joao Felix has beaten his last season statistics getting 6G & 5A in 17apps. This blend of having an experience striker has helped

Because of there brand of football, draws were easier to come by in comparison to there wins as they had 18 wins and 16 draws last season.

Atletico Madrid home record since football has returned has actually been the best of all the Top 5 leagues, since June of 2020. They have the best defence conceding only 12 goals in 20 matches and leading the league with an amazing 42 goals in 20 Games.

As well as having a 8pt gap over 2nd place Barcelona with a game in hand. So far they are the favourites to win La Liga as well becoming the dark horses of the UCL. Only time will tell for Simeone men.

[END OF THREAD]

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