Thiago Almada, key for Argentina but not Atleti: move after World Cup | OneFootball

Statistics, often misleading, may say that Thiago Almada played 38 matches, scored four goals, and provided two assists this season at Atlético de Madrid. Numbers that should excite Lionel Scaloni with the Argentina national team less than a month before the World Cup. However, looking more closely, it becomes crystal clear that his campaign has been marked by a lack of prominence, and that is why he is considering leaving the Colchonero.

The Vélez academy product was only a starter 17 times. Just 1,614 minutes on the pitch, less than one half per match. Although with his national team jersey he managed to earn praise and become a decisive player (four goals — including a screamer to beat Uruguay — and three assists — the most memorable in the rout of Brazil —) in a position that had become sensitive after Ángel Di María’s farewell, in the Spanish capital he was never able to establish himself and become a regular piece in Cholo’s setup.

Rather, he is more of a backup option, the game-changer who comes off the bench to turn around a difficult story or protect a favorable result through pure dribbling and audacity. Almada has more than enough quality to make the difference anywhere he is given an inch of space with the ball under control, but right now he is playing only in fits and starts and, at 25 years old, is rethinking his future after the World Cup, which would be the second of his career if he makes the final cut.

Next season he will push for a leading role, for attacks to run through his feet. Whether at Atleti, where he has an XXL contract until mid-2030, or at another club, since he is open to a change of scenery and finding a new destination.

There will be no shortage of suitors. In fact, he was already on Boca’s radar because of his close relationship with Juan Román Riquelme, and Palmeiras’ interest has been there for some time. However, he has already made it clear to those around him that his first intention is to remain in the elite, and that is why he will listen to offers from Europe. Before moving to Atlético de Madrid, Almada had already left his mark in France after a standout spell with Lyon.

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