Atlético de Madrid: Certainties and doubts 10 days before the Club World Cup

Atlético de Madrid prepares for the Club World Cup, with Paris Saint-Germain as their first rival in Los Angeles. Ten days before the start of the tournament, Simeone’s team faces both certainties and doubts.

Five Clear Certainties

• Julian Alvarez’s Impact: The Argentinian forward has established himself as a key figure, with 29 goals and 7 assists this season.
• Sorloth’s Streak: Alexander Sorloth, with seven goals in the last four matches, is emerging as a starter.
• Team’s Competitive Ability: Despite an irregular end to the season, Atletico has proven to be a competitive team.
• De Paul’s Hierarchy: Rodrigo de Paul, 2022 world champion, is fundamental in midfield.
• Oblak’s Solidity: Jan Oblak, with six Zamora trophies, is the guardian of the Rojiblanco goal.

Five Pending Doubts

• Griezmann’s Role: Griezmann’s position in the starting eleven is uncertain, especially after 16 matches without scoring.
• Signings for the World Cup: The ten-day transfer market could bring new additions, with Álex Baena as a priority.
• The Effect of the Final Stretch: The team’s performance declined at the end of the season, losing intensity after securing their qualification for the Champions League.
• Defensive Doubts: The defense showed vulnerability in the last matches, conceding goals and losing solidity.

The competition in defense focuses on Le Normand, Giménez or Lenglet. In other positions, the configuration seems defined, with Oblak in goal, Marcos Llorente and Javi Galán at the sides, De Paul and Barrios in midfield, Giuliano Simeone on the wing, and Julián Álvarez and Sorloth in attack. The other position up for debate is in midfield: Conor Gallagher, Koke Resurrección or Samuel Lino.