Scouting Atletico Madrid Transfer Target Sime Vrsaljko

Atletico Madrid have been quick to get moving in the summer transfer window as they look to bring their close season plans to fruition as early as possible.

They have already confirmed the signing of Nico Gaitan from Benfica and, with Diego Simeone's future now clarified according to Marca, are looking to continue their recruitment drive to challenge on all fronts next season.

Next in line to complete a transfer to the Vicente Calderon appears to be Sassuolo right-back Sime Vrsaljko, with his club confirming to La Gazetta di Modena (h/t Mundo Deportivo, in Spanish) that the Spanish side are one of three teams pursuing his signature, along with Inter Milan and Napoli.

A €15 million price tag has been suggested, so what will los Rojiblancos be getting for their money?

Journey

First and foremost, Vrsaljko is a right-back. But he has already displayed an amount of versatility in his career. He began his time in senior football as a right-sided midfielder—evidenced by his willingness to get forward with frequency—but at the international level he has featured on the left side of defence, as well.

Vrsaljko, 24, already has 19 caps for Croatia and is part of the squad at UEFA Euro 2016, where he could come up against his potential team-mate Juanfran when Croatia and Spain play each other on Tuesday. Thus far, he has been limited to a brief appearance off the bench at the tournament, but Atletico will place much more stock in his club form over the past year or two.

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Vrsaljko moved to Sassuolo two seasons ago and has been first-choice throughout, almost exclusively on the right side. He missed just two games through suspension and one left on the bench in Serie A during the 2015-16 campaign.

There's no doubt such consistency and reliability was a determining factor for Simeone—a notoriously demanding coach. He'll want his new man to be able to slot straight into the team in 2016-17, if required.

The player himself has said he is "optimistic" about the transfer being sealed, according to Sportske (h/t Marca).

Role and traits

Vrsaljko's attacking tendencies make him largely a stereotypical attacking full-back: quick to overlap, good at playing quick passes infield to exploit space for attacking midfielders to run onto and willing to cross when required.

He's more Juanfran than Jordi Alba—in terms of Spanish defenders—in that he won't continuously run ahead of a play and station himself as a winger. Rather, he looks to take possession deep and dribble, or wait, until play develops ahead of him. Then he can become the runner on the outside to open up a new passing lane. This is why Vrsaljko is positive in his movements and diligent in possession.

Defensively, he's strong in the challenge, though can be a little quick to jump in at times. He has developed as a powerful defender, capable of doing a good job aerially and defending the far post against crosses.

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It is most certainly going forward, though, where his best strengths lie and he'll bring more pace—and youth—than either of Atleti's usual full-backs, Juanfran and Filipe Luis.

Former Croatian international striker Mate Bilic, who played in Spain with Sporting Gijon and Real Zaragoza, said Vrsaljko is a player "for the next 10 years," as reported by Marca, for both the national team and Atletico. Bilic highlighted the defender's experience after travelling to his third major finals already this summer.

Aggression and mindset

That willingness to get forward is something Atletico will very much need in 2016-17.

Their performances and overall results in 2015-16 were extremely good, and there's limited scope for improvement beyond the obvious need for a new central striker. It's going to be about marginal gains for them, and having a full-back who is as adventurous as Filipe in driving forward down the right can be one—Juanfran does it exceptionally well, but Jesus Gamez, the current replacement, does not.

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It's worth noting that Juanfran is 31 years old, played well over 4,000 minutes last season and is now busy over the summer playing with Spain at the Euros. He'll need a break to maintain his own lofty performance levels, and it's imperative for Atletico that they can replace him in the team without a drop-off in quality.

Vrsaljko should provide that, as well as cover on the left for Filipe when needed. Though, his offensive output looks lessened considerably when asked to run forward on that flank, continually cutting back on his right foot and passing safely infield rather than driving at the opposition's defence.

Almost done?

The question must be asked: With Gaitan in, Diogo Jota on the way (in Spanish) and Vrsaljko seemingly a formality, plus Fernando Torres' new contract being close according to Marca, are Atletico Madrid almost finished with their incoming transfer activity already, before most teams have even started?

It's no secret they are looking for a world class striker to lead the line, but that admittedly critical piece of business might well be the final jigsaw piece for Simeone and company this summer.

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Of course, Atletico have long been impressive with their work in the transfer market—not just buying talent but identifying which roles they will fill and improve immediately—having a seemingly endless list of potential signings to run down and fill voids of those who fail to make the grade or are sold for profit.

Vrsaljko looks to be the latest who was decided upon some time ago and, once the close season hit, was immediately targeted.

Croatia's Euro 2016 participation might somewhat delay the inevitable. But Atletico's fast start this summer can only benefit them over pre-season as they get the group immediately working with each other, integrating the new signings and forming the close-knit allegiance that has been a hallmark of Simeone's time at the club and will be crucial to their hopes of silverware next season.

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