Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone stated on Sunday that Argentine striker Julian Alvarez’s traits match the DNA of Los Colchoneros perfectly.
Simeone reckoned that their city rivals Real Madrid are poised to be the top team this season, with other La Liga sides vying to topple them.
The Argentine manager anticipates a challenging opener against Villarreal on Monday (19 August) but noted that the squad has been preparing with “great enthusiasm and optimism” for the new campaign.
Atletico Madrid’s quiet summer transfer activity likely worried fans after last season’s fourth-place finish, but anxiety may turn to renewed hope with the big-name signing of Julian Alvarez.
The arrival of Argentine forward Alvarez from Manchester City, along with deals for Spanish defender Robin Le Normand and last season’s La Liga top-scorer Alexander Sorloth, is set to breathe new life into Diego Simeone’s long-standing project, which seemed in dire need of fresh impetus after two trophy-less seasons.
A distant fourth in La Liga, Atletico were knocked out of the Champions League quarter-finals by eventual runners-up Borussia Dortmund in gut-wrenching fashion.
On a brighter note, Atletico handed Spanish and European champions Real Madrid their only two defeats across all competitions in the 2023-24 season.
While Spanish striker Alvaro Morata moved to AC Milan last month, Simeone should have significantly more attacking options this season.
Versatile forward Alvarez was one of City’s standout performers in their Premier League-winning campaign, while powerful Norwegian striker Sorloth netted 23 goals for Villarreal in La Liga last season.
