Atletico Madrid Summer Signings Beginning to Have Positive Impact

Atletico Madrid's 2-1 win over Valencia at the weekend lifted them to third in La Liga, just two points off top spot after a quarter of the season.

After the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Fernando Torres and other established names had been important early on this season, the match against Los Che saw a few of the newer faces have a big impact, with Yannick Carrasco especially impressive and following the footsteps of other signings in having a decisive impact for Atleti already.

With Diego Simeone being a manager who backs those in form to remain in the team, Carrasco and Co. can have hope of continuing to play a big part after needing to wait for their chance early on.

Early Incorporation

Pre-season saw all the players involved, of course, but once competitive action began, Simeone very quickly reverted to his "old" stars—Tiago and Gabi began in midfield, the defence was full of established names and Torres was paired in attack with Griezmann on a regular basis.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

It's not favouritism nor a reluctance to accept new players into the group; Simeone simply would have known that his style and the team's tactics take time to adjust to, and too many changes in succession could have disrupted results—especially with a very difficult early run of games to contend with.

The established names have deserved their enduring place in the team for the most part, too, meaning some of the new players have to bide their time.

Juanfran is to be offered a new contract, per Marca, while Tiago is demanding a contract extension with his performances, says AS (links in Spanish).

Oliver Torres and Filipe Luis, two "new" faces who were brought in from the first kick-off, had already played for Atleti under Simeone. Bit by bit, the new forwards—Jackson Martinez, Luciano Vietto, Angel Correa—have been rotated into the team and given chances to prove themselves.

Carrasco vs. Valencia

The home victory over Valencia at the weekend was a notable display—it was certainly the best performance of the season from Simeone's men, but the first half especially was also the first time they had defended by forcefully pressing, tackling and countering from midfield rather than sitting in a low block and continually repelling attacks from the edge of their own penalty box.

One of the big reasons for their success and the excellent performance was Carrasco, the Belgian winger who made just his second start of the season in La Liga—and, for the first time, he looked as though he really knew what the team needed from him and how he was supposed to affect the play going forward.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Carrasco was aggressive with his defensive work, tackling Los Che's midfield line as high upfield as he could manage and then using his pace and skill to initiate attacks.

Carrasco had also scored against Real Sociedad a week earlier, and that sort of "lightbulb moment" is one that can see players use a particular performance as a springboard—so it would have been heartening for the team to see Martinez also play well and score.

Two goals in as many games for the Colombian striker could spark him into a successful run of form, too, with AS reporting that Simeone will keep the same XI for the next league game—away to Deportivo La Coruna on Friday night.

Immediate Future

Atleti have a fantastic run of games coming up where, with the same diligent approach and aggressive style of play—perhaps coupled with a little more of a clinical edge—could see them embark on a long winning streak. Depor, Astana, Sporting Gijon and Real Betis now lie in store, and continuous successes will see Atleti in a very positive position, domestically and in Europe, as they head into December.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

With impact players such as Correa and Oliver Torres still having an effect, and the likes of Saul being extremely steady when called upon, there is every reason for Atleti fans to think they still have lots to look forward to this term.

And as the new signings continue to integrate themselves into the first-team plans—often younger talents like Carrasco with plenty of development left in their game—Atleti being a dominant force in La Liga and beyond looks assured for the next few seasons just as much as the next few games.

Follow @karlmatchett