Morata may help Atltico Madrid complete its attack

FILE - Spain's Alvaro Morata runs with the ball during the final of the European U21 Soccer Championship match against Italy in Jerusalem, Tuesday, June 18, 2013. Atletico Madrid's biggest addition to its squad this season may end up being a player who already belonged to the club. Alvaro Morata returned from on loan to Juventus and impressed in the offseason, giving hope to Atletico that he could be the player needed by coach Diego Simeone to complete his attack. Simeone looked in awe on the bench after Morata made a great run and got past two defenders to score one of the goals in his hat trick in the 4-0 win against Juventus in Atletico's final preseason game on Sunday. Morata had also scored in the 4-1 win over Cadiz as Atletico outscored opponents 13-1 in its four preseason matches. Its other wins came against Manchester United and Numancia. There had been doubts about whether Atletico would keep Morata or try to transfer him again on loan or even sell the player. Juventus and Manchester United reportedly are among the clubs that still want him, and a transfer has not been completely ruled out yet. But Atletico and Simeone apparently liked what they saw from the 29-year-old striker after his return. "I'm very motivated," Morata said. "I'm certain that it will be a great year." Morata would help Atletico make up for the departure of veteran Luis Suarez, who did not have his contract renewed. Simeone's options up front would improve significantly if Morata teams up well with Antoine Griezmann and Joao Felix, the team's regular starters last season. "I'm very motivated," Morata said. "I'm certain that it will be a great year."Morata would help Atletico make up for the departure of veteran Luis Suarez, who did not have his contract renewed. Simeone's options up front would improve significantly if Morata teams up well with Antoine Griezmann and Joao Felix, the team's regular starters last season. Atletico's other forwards remain the same as before, with Angel Correa and Matheus Cunha playing often from the bench. The club brought in Samuel Lino but sent the Brazilian forward to Valencia on loan. Vitolo Machin had already been loaned to Las Palmas. "There is a lot of competition and I think that's good for the team," Morata said. "The more options available in attack, the better it is for the team." Morata played in Atletico's youth system before joining Real Madrid's academy and eventually helping Madrid win two Champions League titles. He spent two years with Juventus before returning to Madrid and then signing with Chelsea in 2017 for a then club-record fee of about $75 million. He played for Atletico in 2019-20, before his new stint with Juventus. ]Morata wants as many minutes as possible early in the season to try to secure a spot in Spain's squad for the World Cup in Qatar. He has been a regular in Luis Enrique's squads and looks set to make it if he keeps playing well. Morata wants as many minutes as possible early in the season to try to secure a spot in Spain's squad for the World Cup in Qatar. He has been a regular in Luis Enrique's squads and looks set to make it if he keeps playing well. "When it's a World Cup year, everyone is very motivated from the start to show their coaches that they deserve to be in the World Cup," Morata said.Atletico did not make any high-profile signings in the offseason, bringing in Belgium international Axel Witsel to boost the midfield and help in the defense, which struggled unusually last season. Argentine full back Nahuel Molina also was added, and midfielder Saul Niguez returned following his one-year stint on loan with Chelsea.Atletico has its league opener at Getafe on Monday. It finished third last season after winning the title in 2021.

Morata may help Atltico Madrid complete its attack

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Stand With Bold Journalism.
Stand With The Standard.

Related Topics

Popular this week

Latest Stories

The Standard Insider

Digger Classified

GET OUR NEWSLETTER

CONNECT WITH US

FOR THE LATEST JOB ADVERTS

DIGGER JOBS

Digger Motors

Digger Real Estate

Morata may help Atltico Madrid complete its attack

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Stand With Bold Journalism. Stand With The Standard.

Related Topics

Trending Now

Popular this week

Latest Stories

The Standard Insider

Digger Classified

GET OUR NEWSLETTER

CONNECT WITH US

FOR THE LATEST JOB ADVERTS

Stand With Bold Journalism.
Stand With The Standard.