When the summer transfer window opens, owners and managers make lists of players they would like to sign, but rarely are they able to complete what they set out to do. That is unless you are Atletico Madrid boss Javier Aguirre.
At the beginning of the summer Aguirre set out a list of six players that he needed to sign to push his team to the next level. Of those six, he has signed five—all since July 1.
Aguirre has used the momentum from a surprise fourth place finish in La Liga last season and the prospect of playing in the Champions League this season to reel in five top players:
July 1 — Tomas Ujfalusi. The defender captained the Czech team in the recent European Championships and had a strong season with Serie A's Fiorentina last season.
July 3 — Florent Sinama-Pongolle. The French striker is just 23-years-old and scored an impressive 22 goals last season with Recreativo in Spain.
July 4 — Gregory Coupet. The French goalkeeper joins Atletico from Olympique Lyon where he had won seven straight league titles. While he is 35-years-old, he is still considered one of the best in the world.
July 6 — Paulo Assuncao. The Brazilian midfielder spent last season in Portugal with three time champion FC Porto. His arrival most likely spells the end of the line for Portuguese midfielder Maniche.
July 9 — John Heitinga. The most recent and the most expensive of the signings, Heitinga is a strong defender who was at only 24 was named the Netherlands' player of the year last season.
These players will be added a team that is stacked with young talent in every part of the field and will surely challenge their cross-town rivals to the crown in La Liga this season.
One place where Atletico was weak last season was on the back line. They were known for scoring goals but also giving them up. Heitinga and Ujfalusi, along with Coupet, will immediately fortify the back line and give the talented midfield more freedom to roam.
Speaking of the midfield, Atletico has one of the most creative and dangerous midfields in La Liga and possibly the world.
While Assuncao is expected to play right away, it may be hard to sqeez him in. The midfield is led by Argentine playmaker Maxi Rodriguez and Portugues winger Simao.
Last season Raul Garcia played in a more holding midfield position often joined by young star Ignacio Camacho. Liverpool cast-off Luis Garcia, José Reyes, Jose Jurado, Cleber Santana will all be fighting for playing time in the center of the pitch.
Up front was where Atletico were extremely dangerous last season. The pairing of Sergio 'Kun' Aguero and Diego Forlan combined to score 44 goals last season and was one of the most dangerous pairs in the world.
Add Sinama-Pongolle to that mix and this team is sure to score a lot of goals.
Atletico has not appeared in the Champion's League in the last 11 years but with this club they have a chance to make a deep run.
If nothing else, Aguirre signalled the rest of La Liga—especially Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Villareal—that they are here to stay and are prepared to win.
Article orignially published on The Looper.
comments (6) write a comment »
write a new comment
2 months ago
Hopefully with all this new talent, Atletico can have a consistent season next year. I felt towards the last 5-10 games or so, Atletico really let there form drop, (especially with that home defeat to Real Betis),had they stayed consistent and played as well as they had been playing in matches such as their 4-2 thrashing of Barca, I really felt Atletico could definintly have had a 3rd, and maybe even a 2nd placed finish, but it was not 2 be, maybe this season. With these new players, there will be a lot of talent for Aguirre, to call off of the bench. Also as much of their squad is young(aguero,sinamo-pongolle,heitinga) they can improve throughout the season and get better results as the campaign wears on.Finally, I really do hope Atletico, give the champions league a real go next season and can have a solid cup run. I see them as strong favourites for the Copa Del Rey next season. BTW I am an Arsenal fan from England, but I also support Atletico.
from 2 months ago
Ismail, you are very right. Near the end of the year there was a significant drop off. So much so that they were a point away from dropping out of the Champions League. But the team is so young that is hardly unexpected. I think you will see a lot more consistency from them this season.
2 months ago
Fingers crossed they can do really well this year... in Aguero they had last seasons best player
For the title it is mouthwatering all strong squads...
Villarreal,
Real Madrid,
Barcelona,
Atletico Madrid,
with Valencia and Sevilla not far behind.
all vying for the title we really have some league...
from 2 months ago
This season could be incredible. Not that last season wasn't, but La Liga has a chance to flex its muscles a little bit more.
Also Barca and Madrid have to take notice that some new teams are here to compete. Racing is one to watch out for. They had a really great season last year and always play well against the big boys.
Thanks for the comment Alby.
2 months ago
Great article dakota, as usual.
Just one question, who is the sixth player he has targeted? Any chance of it being convincing Ronaldo to swap Madrids!
Marc
from 2 months ago
Thank you Marc.
The sixth player is Brazilian striker Ricardo Oliveira who plays with Real Zaragoza. I know they have made an offer but I don't know where the situation currently stands. I also know that Atletico made an offer for Rafael van der Vaart (as did Real http://bleacherreport.com/articles/36536-rafael-van-der-vaart-signs-with-real) so they have not stopped.
As for Ronaldo, I am starting to think the best thing for all parties involved is for transfers for Ronaldo to be put on hold. I just don't know if he is the type of player that either Madrid team would benefit from in the locker room because of the team atmosphere both managers are trying to build.
write a new comment