Julián Álvarez seeks redemption in the derby v Real Madrid | OneFootball

Julián Álvarez is going through one of the most difficult periods of his time in European football, but the derby against Real Madrid could become the perfect stage to change the story. After a transfer window marked by his failed attempt to join Barcelona, boos from part of the Atlético de Madrid fanbase, and a new muscle injury, the “Spider” is set to return to the pitch this Sunday at the Metropolitano.

His presence will still depend on his physical progress. Álvarez missed the matches against Real Sociedad and Osasuna due to muscle overload, although the coaching staff’s goal is for him to be available for the clash against the Madrid side.

Being fit again, however, does not guarantee that he will start. The possibility of him getting minutes in the derby appears to be an alternative after his recent absences.

Anfield showed the Julián Atlético needs

Before the latest setback, Álvarez had begun to regain prominence.

In Atlético’s visit to Liverpool in the Champions League, the Argentine returned to the starting lineup and played the full 90 minutes. Although the Rojiblancos ended up losing, the forward showed signs of the football Diego Simeone expects from him.

Álvarez contributed to the press, looked to receive the ball between the lines, and created attacking play. He also assisted Marcos Llorente for Atlético’s goal and forced Alisson Becker into action with a powerful shot from outside the box.

It was a performance that represented a step forward after an uneven start to the season.

Now, his challenge is to regain consistency and once again become a decisive piece for Simeone.

Barcelona, boos, and a difficult summer

Julián’s situation began to get complicated during the last transfer window.

The striker made it clear that he wanted to leave Atlético, and Barcelona emerged as one of the destinations that most interested the Argentine. However, the deal never materialized, and Álvarez ended up staying in Madrid.

The situation created tension around the player. His involvement at the start of LaLiga was limited and, during the match against Villarreal, part of the Metropolitano crowd greeted him with boos.

He later came on in the 3-0 defeat to Athletic Club and had one of Atlético’s clearest chances in the 36 minutes he played.

His performance at Anfield seemed to mark the beginning of a footballing recovery, but the muscle overload once again halted his progress.

Simeone keeps faith in the “Spider”

Despite everything that has happened recently, Simeone has not stopped counting on Julián Álvarez.

The Argentine coach even surprised people before the clash against Liverpool, after previously saying he did not see the striker as ready to start, only to then include him in the starting eleven.

The decision made it clear that, despite the difficulties, Julián remains an important part of his project.

Atlético president Enrique Cerezo also considered the transfer-market episode closed and acknowledged that the situation had affected the player.

The derby can change everything

Now the perfect scenario has emerged for Julián to reconnect with the fans.

Real Madrid will visit the Metropolitano, and the Argentine could have the chance to play again in front of his supporters in a match of the highest intensity.

If he is medically cleared and included in Simeone’s plans, Álvarez will have to turn everything that has happened over the past few months into something positive on the pitch.

The derby could be the starting point for leaving behind the rumors, the boos, and the injuries. Julián Álvarez is looking to rediscover his best form and once again show why Atlético placed its faith in him.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.