Llorente usually solves many of Simeone’s problems, by playing here and there, and against Athletic he explored a new plot. The technician placed in the center of the field, but this time on the left wing. On the right he already knew all the heights and this time he crossed over to the other lane. The 5-4-1 that Cholo proposed left Griezmann at the top and Llorente ahead of Samuel Lino. The Madrid native did not clash. Later, in the second half, he moved to the right to finish as a winger. More locations unlocked by the 14th.
In fact, from that position lying on the left, Llorente participated in Atlético’s first two goals. In Correa’s 2-1, the contribution was less, since he is the one who touches the ball towards Koke, who improves the play with a great pass towards the Argentine, who converted it into a goal. At 1-0 he was more decisive. Marcos entered from the left and, after advancing the ball to be able to hit with his right foot, served the cross that Lekue cleared towards De Paul for him to score. The difficulties in hitting the ball from the left were noted on other occasions, but he knew how to find a solution.
After 2-1, Simeone recomposed the attack, Correa stayed up, Griezmann moved to the left and Llorente, now, to the right, ahead of Nahuel. But it was only a few minutes, because The Argentine was the first substituted (57′), which effectively meant that Llorente had to move to the lane, its second most common habitat. In the 82nd minute, the Madrid native was replaced by Azpilicueta, the third occupant of the night on the right side. “They are extraordinary guys for the team, committed. “No matter where we put them, they do it to add,” Simeone assessed about him and Correa.
The Llorente heat map provided by Kissoccer points out the Madrid native as a footballer who ends up appearing everywhere. That is, it solves many problems that arise during the games. It is Simeone’s wild card and he assumes it, although he knows the pros and cons of such a situation. “It makes me stay on the field more, but it is also true that in the end I play in many positions in many games and I do not have the regularity to experience many situations in one position,” he commented three weeks ago in The spar. His versatility, his numbers and his physical display not only mark him as one of the highlights of this Atleti, but also raise his candidacy to make De la Fuente’s list for the Euro Cup.
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