Diego Simone praises Juventus loanee as his debut goal secures victory | OneFootball

Nicolas Gonzalez was handed his debut for Atletico Madrid in their first match since securing his services from Juventus, and he made an immediate impact.

The Argentine attacker had been an important figure at the Allianz Stadium during Thiago Motta’s tenure, but the managerial change earlier this year altered his standing within the squad. Following Motta’s dismissal in March, Igor Tudor did not view Gonzalez with the same importance, prompting Juventus to consider alternatives. The Bianconeri soon targeted Edon Zhegrova as his replacement, paving the way for Gonzalez’s departure.

Gonzalez’s Transition to Atletico

Atletico Madrid moved swiftly to offer the winger a new opportunity, finalising a deal that saw him leave Turin on an initial loan arrangement. The agreement contains conditions that could make the switch permanent should he achieve certain performance milestones, a scenario Juventus would welcome as part of their wider squad restructuring.

The move has already started positively for both player and club. Gonzalez was trusted with a starting role in La Liga action against Villarreal, where he rewarded the faith shown in him by getting on the scoresheet. His second-half strike was crucial in Atletico Madrid’s eventual victory, underlining his potential to thrive in Diego Simeone’s system.

Nicolas Gonzalez (Getty Images)

Simeone Praises His Contribution

Following the match, Simeone highlighted the significance of Gonzalez’s contribution and praised the efforts made by the squad to integrate him quickly. Speaking via Tuttojuve, he remarked, “We deserved more, and today the team showed it against an opponent who plays and counters well. We improved and adapted in the second half, in the first half they could have hurt us. Nico’s great goal helped us. We all worked hard to get him settled in, and today we saw what he can do on the left, with that work.”

Such words from Simeone will provide Gonzalez with confidence as he looks to cement his place in the Atletico side. His ability to adapt and perform in a new league is likely to play a decisive role in whether the loan spell becomes a permanent arrangement.

For Juventus, the decision to move him on appears to be part of a broader plan to reshape the squad under Tudor. For Atletico, however, Gonzalez’s early performances suggest they may have acquired a valuable asset capable of contributing significantly across the season.