It was only a month ago that Diego Simeone was facing questions over his future at Atlético Madrid. The safest seat in European management no longer seemed so safe with the Rojiblancos on a run of just one win in six matches. Simeone, however, provided the solution to Atleti’s problems – Giuliano, not Diego.
Giuliano Simeone, 21-year-old son of Diego, has been a revelation for Atlético Madrid in recent weeks. Indeed, his breakthrough has coincided with a turnaround in the team’s fortunes with the capital outfit now on a streak of five straight wins in all competitions. Simeone has featured in all of them.
Of course, there is more to Atleti’s turnaround than just the performances of the young attacker, but Simeone set the tone for the return of ‘Cholismo,’ the distinctive style of play for which his father has become renowned for over the last 13 years. Like father, like son, the two Simeones clearly view football in the same way.
Not for the first time, Simeone started the season attempting to evolve Atleti’s style of play. He spoke about the need for a more expansive, modern approach. Signings were made in the summer transfer window to facilitate this transition. On the pitch, though, Atlético Madrid ended up in ideological no-man’s land.
This was most stark in the Champions League defeats to Benfica and Lille, when Atleti conceded seven goals in two games. Simeone’s team were neither one thing nor the other – they had lost their trademark defensive fibre while also failing to become the attack-minded, creative outfit Simeone envisaged.
A 2-0 home win over Las Palmas proved to be the turning point, though. Handed a start on the right side, Giuliano Simeone opened the scoring by bursting in behind the opposition backline and finishing into the far corner. From the direct running to the ruthless finish, it was a goal firmly rooted in the principles of ‘Cholismo.’
Simeone’s contribution can’t be quantified purely through goals and assists, though. While the youngster offers something in the final third, also registering an assist in a win over Mallorca, it’s his work rate and attitude that has stood out most of all. It’s easy to see why Diego Simeone now sees his son as a key figure within his team.
“He’s working well, he’s training well…” said Simeone about the breakthrough of the young forward. “As long as there is humility, the heart always responds. He did what he had to do, that’s why he is at Atlético. The club didn’t spend money to buy a son, he is a boy who was in the youth academy… we believe he can help. He will have good games and bad games, but for sure he has what it takes.”
When Atleti were trailing at home to Alavés on Saturday, Simeone was introduced off the bench to turn the game around. Playing in a right wing back position, the 21-year-old was key in driving the home team forward to a comeback victory. His versatility is something else that makes him so valuable.
One of Atlético Madrid’s biggest issues earlier this season was their frailty in the full back areas. Nahuel Molina and Reinildo were frequently targeted by opposition wingers recognising the space to be exploited in behind. Two changes, however, have shored up this part of the Atleti team in recent matches.
At left back, Javi Galán has unexpectedly force his way into the lineup largely due to the energy he provides on both sides of the ball. And on the other wing, Simeone offers much more protection to Molina and has even emboldened his fellow Argentinean to get forward at times – like he did for the equaliser against Paris Saint-Germain.
With César Azpilicueta now back from injury and Marcos Llorente another player capable of playing on the right side, there might not be such an onus on Simeone to protect the full back behind him, but the 21-year-old has already demonstrated enough to prove he deserves a place in Atlético Madrid’s future.
He might also have a place in Argentina’s future after making his national team debut in the last international window. At this point, the Simeone family is an Argentinean football dynasty with Giovanni Simeone also a member of La Albiceleste. Nowhere is the sense of ‘Cholismo’ stronger, however, than the Metropolitano.
Atleti still have improvements to make if they are to enjoy a successful season. They need greater consistency from Julián Alvarez after spending £82m on the forward in the summer window. The midfield unit continues to be a concern due to a lack of physicality and mobility from Koke and Rodrigo De Paul.
Simeone could be criticised for his latest abandoned attempt to evolve Atlético Madrid, but his son has helped to point the team in the right direction again. A favourable run of fixtures until a meeting with Barcelona before Christmas will give Atleti the opportunity to continue their recovery. Giuliano will almost certainly play an important role in those games as he has the last few.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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