Here is an incredible thread about the longevity of Atletico Madrid’s squad.
Atletico Madrid were considered as second favourites after a recent slump, but they came back strongly against Juventus to win the game 2-0 in the Champions League Round of 16. It was a resolute defensive performance combined with devastating finishing which yielded them a two-goal lead going into the second leg.
It was a joy to watch the Spanish side come on top because they were totally prepotent and thoroughly deserved the victory at Wanda Metropolitano.
When we dig deeper about the longevity of the Atletico Madrid squad, it’s pretty remarkable. Diego Simeone, who has been staying at this club for 9 years named a starting eleven which has at least played together for five years at the club.
The average age of the starting eleven was 8.67 which is a huge achievement considering modern day football and the players’ loyalty to the club these days.
Their record under the Argentine is simply mouthwatering.
Atletico Madrid’s record under Diego Simeone:
– 204 Games
– 124 Clean sheets
– 120 Conceded pic.twitter.com/L6Qr4BpgL2— Spreadex Sports (@SpreadexSport) February 21, 2019
Twitter user Zach Lowy has combined a brilliant thread following Atletico Madrid’s 2-0 win over Juventus on Wednesday.
He detailed the wonderful chemistry between the side and people would want Atletico Madrid to win the Champions League after reading this.
Oblak: 5 years at Atleti.
Juanfran: 9 years.
Giménez: 6 years.
Godín: 9 years.
Luís: 8 years.
Rodri: 6 years at Atleti’s academy.
Thomas: 8 years at Atleti.
Koke: 19 years.
Saúl: 11 years.
Costa: 9 years.
Griezmann: 5 years.Brotherhoods of warriors aren’t built overnight. pic.twitter.com/4RREQTt1VR
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) February 20, 2019
You can give Cristiano Ronaldo €340 million in wages, you can make a laundry list of free transfers, you can build an amazing dynasty and one of the most stacked teams in Europe.
But at the end of the day, whether you’re Barça, Bayern or Juve, you’ll fail to break down Atleti.
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) February 20, 2019
Guess what? Godín, Juanfran, and Filipe’s contracts end in the summer, and they’re unlikely to stay. Oblak’s future is up in the air, and it’s no guarantee Simeone (8 years at the club) stays.
Bottom line: this is the last chance for this band of brothers to win it together.
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) February 20, 2019
In the celebrations for Atleti’s Europa League triumph last May, held at the Metropolitano, Atleti president Enrique Cerezo called on Atlético to win the Champions League in the Metropolitano in 2019, saying Costa will score the goal.
This is a brotherhood sealed for life. pic.twitter.com/XLTqNBVZIb
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) February 20, 2019
Don’t have anything to plug but if anyone wants to know more about Atleti’s story, you should follow my buddy @emctear and read his book “Hijacking La Liga: How Atlético Madrid Ended Real Madrid and Barcelona’s Duopoly on Spanish Football.”
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) February 20, 2019
In contrast:
Szczęsny: 2 years at Juventus
De Sciglio: 2 years
Chiellini: 14 years
Bonucci: 8 years
Alex Sandro: 4 years
Bentancur: 2 years
Pjanić: 3 years
Matuidi: 2 years
Dybala: 4 years
Mandžukić: 4 years
Cristiano: 1 yearAllegri: 5 years
Simeone: 9 years pic.twitter.com/5TNzVIARaf— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) February 21, 2019
In Atleti’s XI, not a single player had spent fewer than 5 years at the club.
In Juve’s XI, only Chiellini and Bonucci had spent over 5 years at the club.
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) February 21, 2019
Average time at club:
Atleti: 8.67 years.
Juventus: 4.25 years.— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) February 21, 2019
Can Diego Simeone’s side finally win the Champions League?
They certainly do have a chance.
