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Argentinian striker Julian Alvarez became a key player for Atletico Madrid in their clash with Arsenal. |
Alvarez is Atletico's main striker, representing how the team operates in this season's Champions League. Ahead of the crucial clash with Arsenal , almost all expectations rest on Alvarez, a player capable of making a difference in an instant.
When Alvarez doesn't just score goals
With 14 goal contributions in 14 matches, including 10 goals and 4 assists, that's a significant statistic. In a demanding competition like the Champions League, maintaining an average contribution of 80 minutes per game is no easy feat. Among top strikers, only Erling Haaland has a better record, and that further highlights Alvarez's value.
However, looking solely at goals isn't the whole story. Alvarez is a modern-day striker who doesn't wait for opportunities but participates in every aspect of the game. He leads the Champions League in high-pressure pressing with 899 instances, accounting for over 16% of the team's total pressing. These numbers reflect his intensity and clearly demonstrate his tactical role.
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Alvarez is Atletico's main striker, representing the way the team operates in this season's Champions League. |
At Atletico, Alvarez is not simply a finisher. He's involved from the initial stages, creating pressure, and directly participating in decisive plays. This role makes the former Man City star an irreplaceable link in Diego Simeone's system.
In Diego Simeone's system, balance is always fundamental. Atletico may change their approach, but they never abandon intensity and discipline. Alvarez is the link that helps maintain that balance, as he both participates in attack and supports the defense from the front line.
Alvarez's pressing ability helps Atletico maintain a high tempo while stifling opponents from their own half. That's why, even though they are no longer a purely defensive team like before, Atletico still retain their formidable identity. In that system, Alvarez plays a central role in shaping the style of play.
When facing Arsenal, this factor becomes even more important. Mikel Arteta's team controls the ball well and plays fluidly. Without a striker who can constantly apply pressure, Atletico's defense is easily stretched. Alvarez provides the solution to that problem, with his relentless work rate and decisiveness in every move.
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At Atletico, Alvarez is not simply a finisher. He's involved from the initial stages, creating pressure, and directly participating in decisive plays. |
Alvarez's achievement of scoring 10 goals in a single Champions League season for Atletico, surpassing Diego Costa, is not just statistical. It shows that he has truly become the centerpiece of the system, rather than just a lone striker.
The gamble called physical fitness
However, Atletico's biggest problem right now lies in Alvarez's fitness. The Argentine striker had a problem in the last match and had to leave the field early, despite having scored a goal beforehand. He missed the match against Valencia and has only recently returned to training.
In a Champions League semi-final, the absence of a key player can directly impact the entire plan. Atletico understands this, and they are relying on Alvarez not just as a striker, but as the centerpiece of their entire system.
If Alvarez is in top form, Atletico can hope for a positive outcome. Conversely, Simeone's tactical calculations will have to change. The difference in top-level matches sometimes lies not in complex tactics, but in the ability to capitalize on the moment.
Arsenal may have the edge in terms of possession and squad depth. However, Atletico possesses a special weapon: a striker who knows how to score, how to press, and how to make a difference when needed. In this context, Atletico's faith rests entirely on Alvarez, who carries the team's Champions League dream.
Source: https://znews.vn/atletico-dat-cuoc-tat-ca-vao-alvarez-post1648994.html
