Thiago Almada, key for Argentina not Atleti: to seek 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 would excite Lionel Scaloni with the Argentina national team less than a month before the World Cup. However, when you take a closer look, it becomes clear that his campaign has been marked by a lack of prominence, and that is why he is considering leaving Los Colchoneros.

The Vélez academy product was a starter only 17 times. Just 1,614 minutes on the pitch, less than one half per match. Although wearing his country’s shirt he managed to earn praise and become a decisive player (four goals — a screamer to beat Uruguay — and three assists — the most memorable in the rout of Brazil) in a position that had become delicate 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.

He is more of a backup option, the game-changer who comes off the bench to turn around a difficult story or protect a lead through pure dribbling and flair. Almada has conditions to spare 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 small doses and, at 25, 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 to have a leading role, for attacks to go 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 looking for a new destination.

He will not be short of suitors. In fact, he was already on Boca’s radar because of his close relationship with Juan Román Riquelme, and Palmeiras have been interested for quite some time. However, he has already made it clear to those around him that his first intention is to remain among 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 his standout spell with Lyon.

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