Atletico Madrid's New-Look Midfield Sees Matias Kranevitter Shine over Augusto

Atletico Madrid drew 1-1 at Rayo Vallecano on Wedneday night in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 tie, with midfielder Saul netting a second-half equaliser to keep Atleti in with a chance of progression.

While it was expected that manager Diego Simeone would make plenty of changes in his lineup, one particular aspect of the starting XI was of interest, as new midfield signings Matias Kranevitter and Augusto Fernandez lined up alongside each other in the centre, with Thomas playing ahead and close to striker Fernando Torres.

While it's Augusto who has experience of the Spanish league and is the older of the two new faces at 29, the 22-year-old Kranevitter put in the more impressive performance overall as the duo showcased their talents—and will now likely fight for one spot between them as the season goes on.

Sides and Styles

Atleti lined up in a 4-4-2 for all intents and purposes, though Thomas was quick to drop into the midfield line during much of the first 45 minutes as Rayo had more possession and attacking intent.

That meant a double pivot for the Rojiblancos, just as they usually have with Gabi and Tiago in place: Augusto on the right of centre in Gabi's slot and Kranevitter on the left in Tiago's. The roles they essentially filled in the game were also of type, with Augusto destroying and largely sitting deep, only pushing forward on occasion when Atleti tried to counter, and Kranevitter the one who looked to spray passes diagonally and play a more intelligent through balls.

"

9 - Augusto Fernández made nine recoveries in his @atletienglish debut, more than any other player of this game. Octopus.

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) January 6, 2016"

While Augusto certainly got himself in the way and made plenty of challenges during the game, it was Kranevitter's endeavour and ability on the ball that stood out more, and the former Celta Vigo man was subbed before the hour mark.

Expected Progression

Atletico under Diego Simeone usually ask players to follow a path of settling in before making them a regular part of the first team, giving a few opportunities here and there but essentially demanding they win a place on merit and then play well to keep it.

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

As such, it would be normal for Kranevitter to have to bide his time for now, having come in from River Plate with good experience for his age but certainly much less overall than the likes of Koke and Gabi. The big positive Atletico's new No. 8 has going for him is his vision and ability to breach the middle and final thirds with searching passes, low over the ground or more direct across field.

Augusto, on the other hand, has been selected for a specific reason—he can provide experience and know-how of La Liga and a level of quality the team will miss during Tiago's enforced absence through injury.

Both should see plenty of game time, but there is huge competition for spots in midfield.

Results

Ultimately, Simeone tends to let those playing well keep the shirt—and that might mean in the immediate future neither gets to start a run of games.

Saul has proved an influential figure over the last month, in both halves of the pitch, and his goal against Rayo was his fifth of the season—he has comfortably been the biggest goalscoring threat in the side other than star forward Antoine Griezmann.

"

Joy after the goal by @SaulNiguez. The ambition of the team was rewarded in the second half. #GoAtleti pic.twitter.com/7EoVYm6PpT

— Atleti English (@atletienglish) January 6, 2016"

It is probable Augusto will be asked to feature soon enough, especially in big games, and Simeone may look to utilise a 4-3-3 with more frequency because of both the greater midfield options at his disposal and the lack of impact his frontmen are having.

If that system turns out to be the future for the team, Kranevitter's impressive first performance in the red-and-white shirt bodes well for the blend of tenacity and incision he can provide for the team, and he can help in attack too—a perfect signing to improve the team as Atleti look to challenge on all fronts.

Follow @karlmatchett