Marca: Almada is an offensive player that Atletico Madrid is urgently needed and is a new hope for the reconstruction of Atletico Madrid midfielder

In the friendly match of football, Atletico Madrid lost 0-1 to Porto. After the game, "Marca" wrote an article praising Atletico Madrid's new aid Almada, believing that the Argentinian is the kind of offensive player that Atletico Madrid is urgently needed and has become a new hope for the reconstruction of the Bedsheets Legion's midfield.

Almada achieved his dream last Sunday, when he made his debut in the Atletico jersey against Porto. Although the result was not as good as Simeone and his team had hoped, the game left some positive impressions on the Argentine coach. Among them, Almada's performance was particularly outstanding. He became Cardoso's best partner in the second half, and he actively participated in the team's offensive organization.

At first, Almada seemed to be seen as a replacement for his fellow and friend Correa, but at Dragon Stadium he quickly proved that he was better at creating opportunities than attacking the end. When Simeone sent the second echelon to deal with the second half, Almada immediately formed a tacit cooperation with Cardoso. In fact, the two players contributed a total of 80 touches in the game, including 34 Almada and 46 Caldoso. Overall, the former Botafogo player appears more in the midfield than in the forward line.

This may have opened a door for Almada in Simeone's plan. Simeone may find a brand new version in Almada, like he did before with Griezmann – embed an offensive player into the midfield and ensures that the ball can be passed smoothly. In the second half, Cardoso and Almada brought new vitality to the team, so the coaching staff may have found a new way to make the two better cooperate.

At present, this is all preseason attempt, but Almada is the kind of offensive midfielder that Atletico Madrid is desperately needed. Almada has no problem with taking on this role, and he has shown his talent in organizing offenses both in Lyon and Botavgo.

Although Simeone and the players themselves have a lot of work to do, the trip to Portugal has initially demonstrated Almada's ability to participate in offensive organization without ignoring defense. He won five of eight confrontations and could provide strong support for a midfielder who is in urgent need of reinforcement. Whether it is attacking from the left or being one of the three midfielders, Simeone may have found a new tactical tool, and Almada is the hope for Atletico Madrid's midfield reconstruction.