4 Players Atletico Madrid Should Target from Euro 2016
Atletico Madrid are pretty far along the path to reshaping their squad over the close season, already landing three key targets as manager Diego Simeone looks to make the small improvements needed to win silverware in 2016-17.
Diogo Jota, Nicolas Gaitan and Sime Vrsaljko are already in, while young Colombian striker Santos Borre—who was signed a year ago—will also join up with the club this pre-season. In truth, the only major arrival Atleti fans might expect to see join up is a big-name striker, the goal-getter who could be the difference between winning and just missing out on the top prizes in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
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Even so, the club always has a plan and looks ahead for replacements, upgrades and fall-back options—and the quality on show at Euro 2016 won't have escaped Atleti's attention. Here we identify four players who featured at the tournament in France who fit the framework of Los Rojiblancos under Simeone.
Full-Back
Vrsaljko's arrival and the emergence of Lucas Hernandez means there's cover in both full-back spots, but Juanfran and Filipe Luis are among the more senior members of the team and will require rest and rotation throughout the long season.
Mattia De Sciglio, who was one of Italy's most consistent performers from wing-back, would be an affordable, attainable and versatile target, covering both sides of the defence—just like Vrsaljko.
Naturally having a preference to play on the right side, De Sciglio featured more prominently on the left for his nation this summer, meaning he at times needed to cut back onto his right foot once into the final third. That's not a huge problem for Atletico, who rarely rely on Filipe to hit the byline and cross from deep; instead, he features in a measured buildup where he can overlap and pass infield on the run or else deliver short-range balls into the box aerially.
Defensively, De Sciglio is aggressive, committed and strong in the challenge—meeting all the basic requirements from Simeone for his back line. He wouldn't cost the earth, with AC Milan hardly a superpower in the game any more, and aged 23, he would match the rough age of the core part of the squad.
Offensive Threat
With Yannick Carrasco and Angel Correa being joined this summer by Jota and Gaitan, wide men for Simeone's 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 aren't exactly in short supply, but there's always the impending threat of other clubs coming in with big bids for the stars of Simeone's side. Indeed, Cadena SER (h/t Sport) recently reported that Barcelona are interested in signing Carrasco.
It's unlikely any will immediately depart, but contingencies must always be in place.
Croatia's Marko Pjaca gave a tremendous account of himself during his time on the pitch over the summer, predominantly featuring from the right wing as an impact substitute, raiding down the flank with pace, power and no shortage of individual skill.
He looks a little raw and lacking in control at times, but aged 21, that's to be expected—the same can be said of Correa, with inconsistency and brilliance mixed together on occasion.
Pjaca's development will likely soon continue at a new club outside of his home nation, with Dinamo Zagreb usually keen to sell their academy graduates for profit. It's clear whichever team signs him will have a big talent on their hands if they can harness his inventive wing displays within a team structure.
Central-Midfield Futures: Part 1
The centre of the park is Atletico's biggest strength, no question, even eclipsing their incredible central defence in terms of depth and quality.
The pairing of skipper Gabi and veteran Tiago has been broken up, but Augusto Fernandez has been added, Koke and Saul Niguez are two of the finest players in La Liga and a collection of younger players are attempting to break through into the regular XI. As stacked as it is, it's inevitable Atleti will need to replenish and rejuvenate that area sooner or later, especially if one of Europe's biggest clubs come with an incredible offer for one of Saul or Koke.
Taulant Xhaka is one player Atletico, and indeed most big-league European clubs, must be considering as an option in the next year; aggressive, combative and energetic in the middle of the park, his passing range and diligent covering of the defence make him a fine holding midfielder.
He's 25 and playing for FC Basel—he'd be an ideal pickup for squad depth and immediate impact depending on the role required of him.
Central-Midfield Futures: Part 2
Looking a little more long term, Emre Can has all the qualities required to be one of Europe's most complete midfielders.
He's playing at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, who has clearly already invested a lot of faith into making Can his first-choice midfielder, so only Europe's biggest sides and managers would have the funds and lure to take him away, but Simeone and Atletico tick both boxes.
Can played for Germany in their semi-final defeat to France, showcasing some of his best traits: surging runs through midfield leaving rivals in his wake, aggressive challenging to win back possession and an ability to pass across the entire width of the pitch.
The former Bayer Leverkusen man is also extremely versatile, playing at full-back and central defence when the occasion demands, though it's clear his best position is a Saul-esque central, roving role where he can destroy opponents' buildups and contribute to his side's offensive movements.
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