Atleti: A golden bench to dream big
Atlético de Madrid’s squad management is paying off, especially thanks to the vital contribution of players coming off the bench. Under Simeone’s guidance, the Rojiblancos’ second unit has become a secret weapon, adding an impressive 35% of the team’s goals this season.
In total, the substitutes have played 5,056 minutes, scoring 29 goals, which translates to an average of 0.51 goals every 90 minutes. Simeone has shown a great ability to manage the available resources and make the most of his refreshing players.
The Argentinian coach has repeatedly expressed the importance of having all players ready, comparing matches to a card game where he needs to have all options available.
Examples such as Julián Álvarez’s goal against Athletic, with an assist from Marcos Llorente, or Alexander Sorloth’s outstanding performance, with eight goals scored coming off the bench, are proof of this.
The contribution of the bench is a differentiating factor that allows Atlético to face matches with greater versatility and reaction capacity. This asset is presented as a fundamental tool to aspire to great things this season, demonstrating that the team’s strength lies in the unity and commitment of all its members.
