In an interview with ESPN, the Argentine coach of Atlético Madrid expressed his delight in having his compatriot on the team and has a clear role in mind to help him reach his full potential.

It was the signing of the summer, without a doubt the most unexpected one. Tired of playing second fiddle at Manchester City, Julián Álvarez forced his exit and joined Atlético Madrid.

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However, this new adventure has yet to fully take off, perhaps due to the immense expectations after the Colchoneros paid 90 million euros for him. After going scoreless in his first four matches with his new team, Álvarez has since broken his drought and has already scored 3 goals, including the winner against Celta de Vigo on September 26 (1-0). Despite his still modest performance, this doesn't worry Diego Simeone.

In the interview with ESPN, the Argentine coach showed great enthusiasm about working with his 24-year-old compatriot. "He's one of the players I'm most excited about since I've been at the club, based on what I've seen from him. He's a guy who has won the Libertadores, the World Cup, and the Champions League with City. In Argentina, he stepped in for Lautaro (Martínez) and delivered... When we had the chance to sign him, we worked to make him understand that this isn't just a stage in his life; there's a history to be made at Atlético Madrid," he stated.

Freedom behind the striker

Beyond his experience, it's his potential that excites the coach. "He can break away, has good diagonal runs, excellent timing in the box, and can shoot with both feet. He can also play away from the goal, recovers the ball, and contributes to the team's play. At City, he played on the left in a 4-4-2, and he did the same with Argentina... I've seen him play so many matches in different positions," Simeone explained.

This technical and tactical versatility opens up a range of possibilities reminiscent of Antoine Griezmann, with whom Simeone tries to pair the Argentine international. The coach has a clear idea of how to best use this profile and help his young player unlock his full potential. "He's not a reference point like Lautaro (Martínez) or (Alexander) Sorloth... I think his best potential lies behind the striker, with technical players in the midfield who can find him. That's where I think he feels most comfortable, in a team that has more possession than it defends," revealed the Atlético Madrid coach, who plans to give Álvarez more freedom in the attack so he can express himself and provide solutions.

The success of the Colchoneros this season will largely depend on how well Julián Álvarez adapts. It is, however, a medium-term project, as it's always difficult to shine immediately in a new environment.