Witsel, from undisputed to unknown

He Atlético de Madrid The 24/25 season started with many new faces in the squad and with the aim of reversing what happened in the previous campaign, where the red and white team was drowned in some competitions, where it did not meet the expectations. .

If there was one line that was especially affected last season, it was the defense. Unsurprisingly because Colchonero’s team experienced a defensive test, they became the Atlético team with the most goals scored in ‘It was Simeone‘. Last year, the red and white team scored 70 goals in the 54 games they played. He received 43 points in LaLiga (the fourth least of that and all things), 13 in Championsseven in King’s Cup and five in Spanish Super Cup. An average, in total, of 1.2 goals conceded per game during the season.

Ironically, one of the best players last season was certainly one of the team’s center backs. Everyone was surprised by the performance of a Axel Witsel who started the season as a resource only at Simeon and who, however, became the field player most used by Cholo. The Belgian, despite his age -35 years- and being a midfielder converted to a center-back, is not only unquestionable in the lineups, but also has an outstanding performance. Several teammates offered their level, collaborating in creation, taking the ball out of defense and at the same time appearing as the team’s most reliable center back.

An event that led him to be called up, a big surprise, for the Euro Cup together Belgium. Teacher of your country, Domenico Tedescoswallowed his pride and after the problems the two encountered, traveled to Madrid talk to Witsel and convince him. Furthermore, he acknowledged that “if he hadn’t been a center back” and given the performance he’s given this season, he wouldn’t have a place as a midfielder on the list. In the end, some physical problems prevented him from having minutes in the Euro Cup, but at least his season was rewarded.

RADICAL TURN

The start of this 24/25 campaign is an opportunity to show what will be the new role of the Belgian, once the arrival of at least two reinforcements behind is expected. And the player started as starter in Villarrealbut that fight marked a radical change in the situation. The player appeared in the photos of the two goals of the Castellón team, first in a career with Danjuma and then to a lack of coordination with Oblakin the second. An event that will make it difficult for him to be replaced at half-time in the game. The ceramics.

And then stop taking ownership. I’ll just play against him spanishtwo games later, in a three-game week, in the rotation rule Simeon. In the performance of Le Normandthe return of the best version of Gimenez; and there are options like Azpilicueta and reinildo, Simeon seems to have found a more or less stable defense (three games in a row without losing).

A situation that can affect what will happen in these months. The Belgian has already postponed his departure to United States Major League Soccer to stay at Athleticbut that was a situation where he was more of a hero. If the tables turn, the winter market may leave news in this regard.