Match Review - Atlético vs Elche
It has been a while since to watch La Liga after the feast of the Qatar World Cup.
It has been even longer since Atlético won a La Liga game (the last win was on 23rd October, an away game against Real Betis).
I was curious if I will be bored watching La Liga because it can't be as intense as the World Cup. If the World Cup is The Garden of Earthly Delights of Bosch with endless detail, surprise, and joy to observe, then the most of league games are the assembly line, following the familiar process, check-in and work, as always.
Fortunately, Atlético vs Elche is an interesting game to discuss further.
Match Review
Atléti's change
Atlético starts with a 3-4-3, which is changing to 5-3-2 while defending and 4-3-3 if attacking.
Atléti supporters should feel familiar with the three centre backs system since the 2020/21 season, which aims to utilize the width of the pitch and deliver to the middle if pressed to the final third. The difference today is:
- Joao Felix, Griezmann and Morata start together for the first time
- Hermoso start as the left centre-back
- Barrios start as the midfielder
Dreamed to see Joao, Griez and Morata play together before the season started, and finally, it comes true. Joao contributed the highest xG(0.96) and scored 1 goal in this game. Morata made Elche commit 2 red cards for Elche. Griezmann connected both with the support from Barrios. Three strikers support each other and keep pressing huge pressure on Elche's end, and Los Franjiverdes crashed after 45 minutes of hard work.
This blog will discuss Hermoso and Barrios later.
Elche's Effort
On the other hand, Pablo Machin knows the danger of Atlético from both sidelines. Therefore, he chose the 5-2-3 system to both concentrates the defence in the centre block and preserve the strength to counter-attack, which works until Verdu, the Elche captain, got a direct red card after he wrestled Morata and bring him down just outside the box.
Although Verdu has been sent off, he did well to mark Morata and force him outside the zone. Besides him, Bigas sweeps out any danger in front of the gate.
In front of the 3 centre backs Guti and Mascarell as a double-pivot to recover the ball. Thanks to this defence module's hard work, Atléti can only shoot once on target (by Joao Felix at 15 minutes) during the first half. Although Elche hasn't won a single La Liga game yet this season, it doesn't mean they don't have the tooth. Their left wing is dangerous with Carlos Clerc, an unlucky wing-back who can both cross to Boyé and dribble by himself with both feet. With the support from Bigas and Mascarell, with the killer like Boyé working together, Clerc and his teammates formed a logical attacking module. However, this module didn't work due to the tireless recoveries from Llorente and Barrios.
Hermoso, Oh, Hermoso
What can I say about this guy?
To be fair, he played very well in the first half. As the left centre-back, he covered Carrsco's ass when Belgian dribbled forward and he contributed the highest recoveries among the team with only 53 minutes. However, 2 yellows in the first 7 minutes of the second half suddenly exposed his inconsistency.
Table 1: The recoveries numbers of Atléti players in Atléti vs Elche, 2022/12/29
| Player | Recoveries | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|
| Hermoso | 12 | 53 |
| Kongdobia | 10 | 94 |
| Savic | 9 | 94 |
| Llorente | 8 | 94 |
It is such a headache to watch a player with a top physique but the worst decision-making.
The Freedom of Barrios
Except Kondogbia is fixed and lying deep, both Griezmann and Barrios have the freedom to stray on the pitch and cover and support each other and the whole team. Griezmann has a well-known amazing sense of reading the game, but it is impressive that Barrios is able to follow Griez's rhythm, as well as contribute great effort on pressing and key organizing.
The video below is a good example to explain how Barrios help the team shape the midfield and observe and prevent the potential threat. Griez also gave Barrios praise when he covered the position on the side.
Besides, Barrios also contributed the most of the ground duel during this game. A good midfielder should be able to do anything to help the team keep shape, and Barrios did the best among the whole team in his debut. With him, the club is safe to sell players like De Paul who focus more on the national team but not the club to lose the salary cap.
Time to Bring More Atléti B Players?
Several months ago, while I was watching Atléti B vs Melilla in Majadajonda, I was impressed and felt more excited, started to think if the current B team are able to play at a higher level, for example, La Liga Segunda.
My option was, if there is a better number 9 - Yes. They can do similar or even better than Villareal B this season.
However, it doesn't matter if they reach Segunda level or not after the friendly game against Ponferradina. Those teens proved that they are better than several first-team players in 30 minutes, that's enough.
Barrios is one of my favourites and impressed everyone in his La Liga debut.
Carlos Martin, Alberto Moreno and Sergio Diez are already get the fame among the core followers.
Last but not the least, both centre defenders, Kostis and Moreno, are more consistent with better discipline, which is better for the health of all Atléti supports.
I believe these kids after Barrios's performance before new years eve. A new year with new faces, why not?