The other Madrid: Genuine contenders, or a bubble waiting to burst?

Diego Simeone

Sudden success, or the proverbial ‘rags to riches’ stories are never uncommon in sport. However, they are worth watching when they infuse new life into an event, or generally promise to alter the way in which one would analyze a certain competition. The emergence of Atletico Madrid this year as one of Spain’s genuine title contenders has been fascinating, whether you are a neutral, a Real Madrid fan, or one from the east in Barcelona, as yours truly.

Gritty, tough and never dull, will Simeone’s men withstand the test of time?

Circa 17 May, 2013. At the end of extra time at the Santiago Bernabeu, the reign of Jose Mourinho as the Real Madrid manager finally comes to an end in ignominy. Having already lost the league to bitter rivals Barcelona and being knocked out on penalties in the Champions League semifinal to Borussia Dortmund, ‘the Special One’ ends 2012-13 without a major trophy, losing 2-1 to Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid. Despite it being a major steal for Atletico, it hardly caused too big a ripple across Spain. The next season would follow the ‘textbook’, we all expected.

In hindsight, we could say Simeone and his men had other ideas.

Eleven months hence, the La Liga title race has attracted the sort of interest normally reserved for the Premier League, with Atletico just four games away from possibly claiming a their first league title since 1996, and also becoming the first team (other than Real Madrid or Barcelona) to win the league since Rafael Benitez’s Valencia in 2003-04. Simeone has also set up a clash with Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea in the Champions League semifinal, defeating Barcelona and Milan en route.

So, what exactly does this ascent mean to all concerned?

A team defined by its manager

There are two kinds of teams. The first kind is dictated by certain philosophies unique to them over the ages. Manchester United relying on beauty and churning out young talent since the Matt Busby days, or Barcelona and Total Football or various evolved variants since the late 1980s. In such an atmosphere, the possibility of the manager infusing a radical change to the playing style becomes difficult and subject to criticism, as David Moyes’ and Gerardo Martino’s struggles prove (More on that when we sum up Barcelona’s season later).

The second category sees team philosophies being dictated by the manager, often leaving them to struggle due to rapid managerial changes or philosophies not given time to settle in. The only way to buck that seems to give the manager a long run, such as Moyes had with Everton.

However, Atletico is a notable exception. Most would recall Simeone as a tough holding midfielder in his days with Argentina, not shy to defend tightly or look his opponent in the eye, exuding grit. In a short span of three years, the coach has managed to turn the team into an image of his own playing self. Atletico ooze grit and toughness when not on the ball, and aren’t shy to drop back and defend when the going gets tough. Instead of trying to force a shift, they give an air of waiting for the chance to come, and then swing the momentum their way.

Diego Godin and Miranda may not be the most expensive, or even the best defenders on the planet, but their partnership does do the job more often than not. Thibaut Courtois is easily one of the best young keepers on the scene, and left-back Filipe Luis may be a talking point soon.In midfield, Tiago, Koke, Raul Garcia and Gabi switch between attack and defence seamlessly, rushing wherever the action is, while squeezing in a goal here and there. David Villa, partnering the young Arda Turan on the flank, has been a valuable acquisition in terms of the experience he brings in. Upfront, Diego Costa has more than filled the void created by Radamel Falcao an year ago, with Chelsea knocking on his door ever since January.

On the bench, Toby Alderweireld and Emiliano Insua bring in experience, and Sergio Asenjo (currently loaned out) is a valuable back-up goalkeeper.

Not household names, but an extremely balanced and talented squad nonetheless.

Thibaut Courtois, Diego Costa and Arda Turan

Impact

For the first time in over a decade, the La Liga is finally getting rid of that two-horse tag hanging like an albatross around its neck. Provided Atletico sustains its momentum in the seasons to come, and the possible emergence of Athletic Bilbao on the horizon, the league has promise to emerge as an alternative to the Premier League.

Much like the impact of City when it rose, Atletico will push Real and Barcelona harder, making for interesting viewing, and giving neutrals something beyond the El Clasico. It also strengthens Spain’s hand in European competitions, pushing it up the UEFA coefficient ladder even as the EPL stares at a decline.

Another interesting perspective emerges on the transfer window. Much like Borussia Dortmund, Atletico seems to be emerging as a preferred destination for young talents, with managers like Klopp and Simeone promising a fair amount of first team action. As a case in point, Manchester City’s pursuit of San Lorenzo’s 19 year-old forward Angel Correa may fail according to reports, with the youngster reportedly preferring the Calderon.

The upcoming games against Chelsea will pose the first serious test to the upbeat Atletico in Europe. If Simeone can outwit the wily Mourinho over 180 minutes, one could possibly put a bet on Atletico cementing its place in the years to come.

Future, and possible threats

However, before the Atletico fans can dream of emerging as a force, there are still a few issues to be addressed.

Firstly, Chelsea’s pursuit of Diego Costa would easily be their worst-kept secret this year. With the media reporting Chelsea’s willingness to offer a similar figure as that for Fernando Torres a few years ago, it would be interesting how Simeone keeps him, and keeps him motivated at the Calderon. Also, with loanee Thibaut Courtois widely expected to take over the number 1 jersey at the Stamford Bridge this year, it would be interesting to ponder Atletico’s life after losing these two cogs.

In midfield, Koke has been hotly pursued by Manchester United. Moyes may not be able to sign him, but should the unlikely scenario of his being replaced by another illustrious manger materialize, Koke may well head off to Old Trafford. Filipe Luis may also be monitored by various clubs looking for a decent left-back. Young Saul Niguez, the midfielder on loan at Rayo Vallecano, has been equally impressive and has been monitored by various clubs.

Simeone would be severely tested with keeping these players at the club, or finding suitable replacements if they be sold off this year. He would hope not to do a Tottenham with his recruitment this season.

The final threat is the very possibility of Simeone moving elsewhere. With Arsenal undecided on Wenger’s fate, and facing an extension of their trophy drought should they lose the FA Cup final, it won’t be surprising if they choose Simeone to end the drought, finally putting results over style. Tim Sherwood has been volatile at Tottenham all along, possibly opening Simeone’s doors if Louis Van Gaal refuses to join. Elsewhere, Jurgen Klopp has been linked with various clubs, and it won’t be surprising if Simeone be chosen to replace him, considering their common ability to do a lot with minimum resources.

To conclude, full credit to Simeone and his men for an excellent season, with an eager eye on what the future holds.