Why Cristian Ansaldi's Loan Move Is Smart Business for Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is nothing if not an astute operator. Faced with the break-up of the team that El Cholo took to a gripping, shocking Liga title and Champions League final last season, the Argentine decided to fight it out and start from scratch. 

Astute purchases like full-back Cristian Ansaldi, who joined the Colchoneros on loan from Zenit St. Petersburg, showed that Simeone had every intention of building a second winning team in the Spanish capital and keeping Atletico's run going. 

If Ansaldi has not received the publicity he should have over the years, it is down more to where he has played than how. The 27-year-old Rosario native has been a pillar at the back in Russia for the last six years, not a minor statistic in a league where Argentine players have historically struggled, playing only sporadically and for a short period of time. 

He racked up an impressive 170 appearances for Rubin Kazan, taking the club to the first ever title in their history during his first season in 2008 and winning a total of five trophies in a successful spell. Ansaldi's athleticism, ability with both feet and commitment are undoubted from his time in Russia—meaning Atletico have picked up a very good deal, indeed, taking him to Spain for relatively small change. 

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Early indications in the Atletico ranks suggest that the Argentine will not be an undisputed starter. After making a cameo off the substitutes' bench in the Super Cup clash against Real Madrid, Ansaldi was handed a first XI spot to kick off the Liga campaign against Rayo Vallecano. A disappointing 0-0 draw saw Simeone once shuffle his hand, and Ansaldi was relegated to a non-playing substitute spot for the victory against Eibar. 

The new full-back should not worry. Atletico face a long, gruelling season, with Champions League demands joining the week-in, week-out battles of La Liga where they are no longer the surprise package. El Cholo will be grateful for the presence of Ansaldi filling in on both sides of the defence, providing cover in an area where due to the coach's love of attacking from deep and with pace, those out on the flanks are pushed harder than anyone else on the pitch. 

The ex-Rubin and Zenit man may not be the star of the Colchoneros' campaign, but he is a strong, honest performer who will give the squad valuable cover and quality in crucial periods. Ansaldi was a snip on a season's loan from Russia, and he should prove to be worth his weight in goal over the coming 12 months.