Julián Álvarez: Sacrifice and Colchonero Soul in the Derby
The derby against Real Madrid made clear Julián Álvarez’s unwavering commitment to Atlético de Madrid. The Argentine forward emptied himself on the pitch, leading the pressure and supporting the defense with an impressive physical display.
In fact, he was the Atleti player who covered the most kilometers, even surpassing key figures from Madrid. His tireless effort translated into 11.1km, chasing rival attackers and collaborating in containment.
Álvarez was not limited to defensive tasks, but also contributed danger in attack, including a magnificent goal. However, his physical display in the first half took its toll, diminishing his offensive impact in the final stretches of the match.
This sacrifice, although admirable, raises questions about the advisability of such extreme wear and tear on a player with his scoring ability. Only Llorente, with 10.8km, closely followed him in this waste of energy.
The match highlighted Álvarez’s total dedication, who proved to be the team’s first defensive bulwark. His performance in the derby even surpassed his own records in other Champions League matches, reflecting his commitment to the red and white badge. Now, Atleti will seek to turn the tie around at the Metropolitano, hoping that the effort of Álvarez and the rest of the team will be rewarded with passage to the next round.
