He Atletico Madrid faces its first day of the 2024/25 season with a mix of excitement and determination.
After a spectacular transfer window, in which they have brought in players of the calibre of Julián Álvarez, Alexander Sorloth and Robin Le Normand, Diego Simeone’s team is ready to fight for the La Liga title again. The opening match against Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica is seen as an opportunity to show that these reinforcements can make the difference from the start. The red-and-white team will seek to impose their characteristic style of play, based on defensive solidity and forcefulness in attack, to secure a victory that will give them a positive boost from the start.
This season, Atlético de Madrid is not only aiming to compete for the league title, but also to establish itself as one of the most feared teams in Europe. With the arrival of new talents and the planning of other possible signings, the Colchoneros have strengthened in all their lines, increasing their options to face a demanding schedule. Diego Simeone, with his usual intensity, will seek to get the most out of his squad and build a balanced team that can compete on all fronts. The club’s ambition is high, and the objective is clear: to lift trophies again and reaffirm its position as one of the giants of Spanish and European football.
This is the possible lineup that Diego Pablo Simeone could start against Villarreal:
BY: Oblak – Atlético de Madrid’s Slovenian goalkeeper is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, known for his consistency and exceptional reflexes. Jan Oblak will be a key player in the game against Villarreal, providing security between the sticks and leading the defence with his experience. His ability to make decisive saves at critical moments makes him a key pillar for Simeone, who relies on him to keep a clean sheet.
CAI: Samuel Lino – Brazilian Samuel Lino, a recent addition to Atlético’s squad, has proven to be a dynamic and versatile player. Occupying the left flank, Lino brings speed and ability to break through, as well as his ability to return and support in defensive duties. His energy on the wing will be crucial in opening up play and providing the team with offensive options, both in positional attack and in quick transitions.
DFC: The Normandy – Le Normand arrives at Atlético as one of the most important reinforcements in defence. The French centre-back is known for his reading of the game and his solidity in aerial duels. In his debut with the Rojiblancos, Le Normand will be tasked with leading the defensive line, ensuring that the team maintains its structure and minimising Villarreal’s chances. His quick integration into Simeone’s system will be key to a solid defence.
CB: Axel Witsel – Experienced Belgian Witsel is a wildcard in the Atletico defence. Originally a midfielder, his tactical intelligence and ability to distribute the ball from the back have made him a reliable option at the back. In this match, his role will be crucial in starting plays from the back, as well as providing balance and composure at the back.
DFC: Jose Maria Gimenez – Uruguayan José María Giménez is the heart of Atlético’s defence. His aggressiveness, bravery and ability to anticipate make him indispensable for Simeone. As one of the team’s leaders, Giménez will bring his grit and experience to maintain defensive cohesion and neutralise Villarreal’s offensive threats, being a reference both in the air and in marking.
CAD: Marcos Llorente – Marcos Llorente is one of Atlético de Madrid’s most versatile and athletic players. Playing the right wing-back role, Llorente combines his physical ability with great tactical intelligence to be effective both in attack and defence. His ability to get into the opposition’s penalty area, in addition to his tireless defensive work, make him a key piece in Simeone’s system.
MC: Koke – Captain Koke is the brains of the team, in charge of dictating the pace of play from the centre of the pitch. His vision and precision in passing make him fundamental to the construction of Atlético’s play. As a born lea
der, Koke not only contributes in the creation, but also in the recovery of the ball, being a complete player who embodies the team’s fighting spirit.
MC: From Paul– Argentine Rodrigo De Paul is an all-round midfielder, capable of contributing in all facets of the game. His ability to break lines with incisive passes and his aggressiveness in recovering the ball make him an indispensable player in Simeone’s system. In the match against Villarreal, De Paul will be key to connecting the midfield with the forward line and generating constant danger.
CAM: Antoine Griezmann – Griezmann, Atlético’s creative genius, is a player who brings quality and experience to the attacking line. His ability to move between the lines, create goal-scoring opportunities and his goal-scoring instinct make him a constant threat to any defence. In his role as a second striker or attacking midfielder, Griezmann will be essential in creating play and assisting the forwards in attack.
DC: Julian Alvarez – Argentine Julián Álvarez, one of Atlético’s star signings, is a young and dynamic forward with an impressive goal-scoring instinct. His mobility, speed and ability to finish make him a crucial piece in attack. In his league debut, Álvarez will look to show why he is considered one of the brightest prospects in world football, being a constant threat to Villarreal’s defence.
DC: Sorloth – Norwegian striker Sorloth will make his debut in the red and white shirt against his former team. Known for his physical strength and his ability to finish, Sørloth will offer a different option in the attack for Atlético, complementing his teammates with his ability to play with his back to goal and win aerial duels. His presence will be key to opening up spaces and finishing off the offensive plays of Simeo
ne’s team.
This is what Atlético de Madrid’s lineup would look like (3-5-2)
Goalie: Jan Oblak
Defenses: Witsel, Gimenez and Le Norman
Midfielders: Samuel Lino, Marcos Llorente, Koke, De Paul and Griezmann
Forwards: Julian Alvarez and Sorloth
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