A Progress Report on the Early Season Form of Atletico Madrid's Cristian Ansaldi

Tasked with the not inconsiderable challenge of replacing the excellent Chelsea-bound Filipe Luis, Atletico Madrid did not waste time in entering the transfer market. Coach Diego Simeone proved that he has a talent for finding cut-price quality players with two purchases to cover the full-back positions. 

Guilherme Siqueira came over from Benfica, a Brazilian to fill the gap left by another Brazilian. But there was a second signing; former Newell's Old Boys utility man Cristian Ansaldi, who was signed on a one-year loan deal from Zenit St. Petersburg to cover both flanks in defence. 

The Argentine did not enjoy an auspicious start to his time in the Vicente Calderon. Brought on late into the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid, he had the misfortune to see a shot from James Rodriguez balloon off his thigh and beat goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya, putting Atletico's archrivals into the lead. 

Luckily, Raul Garcia was on hand to equalise and ensure the pre-season curtain-raiser would be returning to the red and white half of the Spanish capital. With little more than half an hour under his belt as a Colchonero, Ansaldi had already lifted his first trophy. 

Since that mixed beginning, the full-back has slowly found his way in the Atletico ranks. The ever-canny Simeone has rotated heavily in the position, alternating Siqueira and Ansaldi to leave the pair with almost the same number of games so far. Tellingly, the club's two best La Liga games so far, 4-0 thrashings of Espanyol and Sevilla, have occurred with the Argentine occupying the left side of the pitch and Juanfran continuing on the opposite flank. 

His good form has not gone unnoticed. Argentina coach Gerardo Martino called the defender up to his latest Albiceleste squad, raising hopes that he will pick up just a fourth international cap. This attention is due to some consistent play for Atletico that has helped raise the player's profile following years off the radar in Russia. 

Key Statistics 

Ansaldi is not the tallest or heaviest defender out there, but he compensates with an iron commitment to the challenge that helps him play far beyond his physical capabilities. According to WhoScored.com, the full-back averages an impressive 3.3 tackles per game so far this season, behind only destructive midfielder Gabi and on the same level as Juanfran (3.4). 

Siqueira, in comparison, has managed just 1.6, half Ansaldi's figure. And it is not just defensive strength that the Argentine contributes. Going forward and at the back, Ansaldi is not afraid to throw himself in the heart of play. 

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On a slightly more negative note, the ex-Zenit man has shown himself to rather sloppy in distribution. With a success rate of just 64 percent he is one of the worst passers in the Colchonero squad, and this must be worked on if he is to push on and make the left-back position his own. 

Early Season Grade: B 

It is not easy to settle on a squad that just last year swept to an historic La Liga title, but Ansaldi's progression has been admirable. A little more precision in the pass and the aggressive full-back has the chance to make a real name for himself under compatriot Simeone, as the Colchoneros once more look to challenge on all fronts in 2014/15.