In the ever-evolving football landscape, clubs increasingly rely on strategic recruitment to secure their future success.

Atlético Madrid, under the stewardship of sporting director Andrea Berta, has been undergoing a significant squad rebuild aimed at positioning the club as a perennial title contender.

This article delves into the recruitment strategies that have defined Atlético’s summer transfer window, exploring how Berta’s vision and approach are shaping the club’s long-term ambitions.

Andrea Berta Tactics – The Architect Behind Atlético’s Success

Andrea Berta, a key figure in European football, has been integral to Atlético Madrid’s rise over the past decade.

Appointed as the club’s sporting director in 2017 after a successful stint as technical director, Berta has been credited with transforming Atlético’s recruitment process from a reactive to a proactive model.

His approach focuses on meticulous planning, data-driven decisions, and a deep understanding of market trends.

Berta’s strategy revolves around identifying undervalued talents and integrating them into a cohesive team structure, which has allowed Atlético to remain competitive even in the face of financial constraints.

He is known for his ability to spot potential in players that others may overlook, turning them into key assets for the club.

His recruitment philosophy is not just about filling immediate gaps but about building a squad capable of sustaining success over the long term.

In this analysis, we will explore how Berta’s strategic acumen was applied during the recent transfer window, the key factors that influenced his decisions, and how these signings align with Atlético Madrid’s broader objectives.

By examining his methods, we gain insights into the inner workings of a football strategist whose impact extends far beyond the pitch.

Atlético Madrid Struggles From 2023/2024 Season

Atlético Madrid faced several key weaknesses throughout the 2023/2024 season, which were evident in their performances across various competitions.

Despite their efforts, the team struggled with inconsistent ball progression, often hampered by subpar ball-playing skills, particularly in lateral chip passes.

This issue was exacerbated by their heavy reliance on specific players, such as Hermoso and Koke, to advance the ball and bypass opposition presses.

Additionally, their possession strategy, which relied on creating a “free man” for advancing play, was often exposed by strong opposition marking.

The decline in form of players like Saúl Ñíguez and Koke from their peak years further exacerbated this issue, turning their reliance on these players during the build-up phase into a liability for the team.

This led to a predictability in their play, especially with their tendency to favor the left-hand side for progression, making their attacks easier to defend against.

Furthermore, in defensive transitions, when progression routes were blocked, Atlético frequently resorted to long balls, which were not always effective, especially against well-organized defenses.

Most importantly, their finishing in front of goal proved to be the biggest issue for the team during the 2023/2024 season. A significant factor in their exit from the Champions League was purely down to missed opportunities that could have put their games to bed.

These shortcomings contributed to their disappointing results, including a 4-0 aggregate loss to Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, squandering a 2-1 lead in the Champions League to lose 4-2 in the second leg, and ultimately finishing 4th in La Liga with 10 losses.

What Atlético Madrid Need For 2024/2025 Season

Atlético Madrid Defense

Starting with the defense, Andrea Berta and Diego Simeone used this summer window to revamp Atlético Madrid’s defensive core by making significant changes.

They let go of Mario Hermoso, Stefan Savić, Gabriel Paulista, and Çağlar Söyüncü, while bringing in Robin Le Normand for €34.5 million.

Le Normand is an extremely well-rounded defender who brings more physicality than Hermoso, who was their starting CB and offers a wider passing range.

Having played in La Liga with Real Sociedad since 2019, he also adds valuable experience to the squad.

Additionally, the club plans to keep Santiago Mouriño, giving the Uruguayan a chance after a solid loan spell at Real Zaragoza last season, where he clocked 2,144 minutes over 28 games.

These two physical defenders can bolster the club’s set-piece defense, box defending, and enable a higher defensive line in possession—key attributes Simeone seeks in his defenders, which is why he’s trusting them for the upcoming 2024/2025 season.

Atlético Madrid Midfield

In terms of their midfield player profiles, Atlético Madrid’s current squad is showing signs of aging, with some players gradually declining in performance.

Koke, for instance, will be 33 midway through the season, and players like Thomas Lemar and Saúl Ñíguez are far from their peak abilities.

The club is actively seeking an energetic player who can take over Koke’s role of covering all areas of the pitch, which is why they are eyeing Conor Gallagher.

Gallagher averaged 3.68 tackles plus interceptions per 90 minutes and 6.35 recoveries per 90 minutes during his 2023/2024 season at Chelsea, making him a strong candidate to inject freshness into the squad.

His passing stats are impressive, with an 89.2% pass completion rate, 52 completed passes per 90 minutes, and strong ball-carrying abilities, averaging 208.1 total carry yards per 90 minutes, of which 85.6 yards are progressive.

He would bring a new engine and ball-progressive presence to the midfield, ready to take the torch from Koke.

Another player Simeone is considering is Javi Serrano. The young 21-year-old Spaniard, who came up through the Atlético Madrid academy, has spent much of his career on loan since being promoted.

However, this season could be different, as Serrano has won over Simeone, who sees him as a valuable asset for the squad.

The club is considering keeping him at the club, potentially splitting his time between the first team and Atleti B.

The recurring strategy for refreshing their midfield focuses on high work-rate players—both Gallagher and Serrano are known for their aggressiveness and grit on the pitch.

The third and final player in this midfield recruitment drive is Arthur Vermeeren.

Although he was signed in January of the 2023/2024 season, he has only played five matches and 160 minutes in La Liga. Vermeeren is another engine player, but with a more box-to-box style. He is expected to see more playing time and take on a larger role in the squad this coming season.

Atlético Madrid Attack

Atlético Madrid made significant changes to their attacking lineup as part of their efforts to rejuvenate the squad for the new season.

This process saw the departure of key players, including Morata, who joined AC Milan, and Memphis Depay, who left as a free agent.

These moves were strategic, aimed at freshening up their attacking options with new talents who could bring a different dynamic to the team. In their place, Atlético brought in Julián Álvarez and Alexander Sørloth, both of whom offer distinct qualities that align with the club’s evolving tactical approach.

Álvarez, known for his versatility, sharp movement, and clinical finishing, adds a layer of unpredictability and energy to the front line. His ability to play across the attacking positions gives Atlético the flexibility to adapt to various in-game scenarios.

Sørloth, on the other hand, brings a physical presence and aerial prowess that provides a target man option, something the team has lacked in recent seasons. His strength and ability to hold up the ball will be crucial in breaking down defenses and giving Atlético a different dimension in their attack.

These acquisitions are expected to not only replace the outgoing players but also enhance the overall effectiveness of Atlético’s forward line.

Atlético Madrid recently signed promising young talent Samu Omorodion, but despite his potential, the club is considering selling him as they place more trust in their newly acquired forwards, Julián Álvarez and Alexander Sørloth, to lead the line.

However, if Atlético decides to retain Omorodion, he brings a unique skill set to the team that could be invaluable. Omorodion excels in box dominance, making him a significant aerial threat in attacking situations.

His aerial prowess allows him to challenge defenders effectively, and his combination of pace and power makes him a formidable presence in the final third.

Additionally, his ability to attract and occupy central defenders creates space for his teammates in the half-spaces and wings, enhancing Atlético’s attacking options.

Omorodion also serves as a reliable target for long balls, a valuable asset in bypassing man-to-man pressing from the opposition. His physical attributes and tactical intelligence could make him a vital player for Atlético if they choose to integrate him into their future plans.

Atlético Madrid Player Profiles

Robin Le Normand Scouting Report

Robin Le Normand, playing as a left-center back (LCB), demonstrates a robust defensive profile according to his player radar chart.

He ranks impressively in aerial duels, placing in the 96th percentile for aerial duels per 90 and 64.7th percentile for aerial duels won, underscoring his dominance in the air.

His defensive duels won percentage is also solid, standing in the 74.1st percentile, reflecting his reliability in one-on-one defensive situations.

In possession, Le Normand is highly accurate, ranking in the 85.8th percentile for pass accuracy, which is crucial for building play from the back.

He also shows a strong ability to receive passes, placing in the 82.3rd percentile, making him an effective outlet for his teammates during the build-up phase.

However, his progressive passing metrics suggest room for improvement, as he sits in the 57.05th percentile for progressive passes per 90 and only in the 6.2nd percentile for dangerous passes per 90.

Offensively, while his goal contributions per 90 (39.95th percentile) and expected goal contributions (45.25th percentile) are modest, they are not primary aspects of his game as a central defender.

His overall profile emphasizes his defensive solidity and reliability in possession, making him a key figure in Atletico Madrid’s defensive setup.

Santiago Mouriño Scouting Report

S. Mouriño, playing as a right-centre back (RCB) during his time at Real Zaragoza, shows a well-rounded defensive profile according to his player radar chart.

He excels in aerial duels, ranking in the 96.5th percentile for aerial duels per 90 and 86.0th percentile for aerial duels won, which indicates his strong presence in the air.

His performance in defensive duels is solid, with a 59.3rd percentile for defensive duels won, reflecting his capability in handling one-on-one defensive situations effectively.

When it comes to possession, Mouriño displays decent passing accuracy, ranking in the 76.7th percentile for accurate passes per 90, which is crucial for maintaining possession and building attacks from the back.

However, his contribution in progressive passing and creating dangerous opportunities shows room for improvement, as he ranks in the 32.5th percentile for both progressive and dangerous passes per 90.

His received passes per 90 also reflect a moderate involvement in the build-up, ranking in the 32.5th percentile.

Offensively, his dribbling ability stands out more, with him ranking in the 98.8th percentile for dribbles per 90, indicating his confidence in advancing the ball out of the defensive third.

Overall, Mouriño’s profile highlights his defensive solidity, with particular strengths in aerial duels and dribbling, making him a reliable figure in Atletico Madrid’s defensive line.

Conor Gallagher Scouting Report

Conor Gallagher, playing as an attacking midfielder (AMF) for Chelsea, presents an intriguing profile based on his player radar chart.

Starting with his defensive attributes, Gallagher shows exceptional strength in defensive duels, ranking in the 93.7th percentile for defensive duels per 90, and 94.75th percentile for aerial duels won, indicating his high work rate and effectiveness in defensive situations.

In possession, Gallagher is highly reliable, boasting a 97.9th percentile ranking for pass accuracy, which is crucial for maintaining Chelsea’s midfield control.

He is also well involved in the build-up play, receiving passes frequently as shown by his 83.3rd percentile ranking for received passes per 90.

However, his impact in advancing play and creating dangerous opportunities is more moderate, with him ranking in the 36.4th percentile for progressive passes per 90 and 17.3rd percentile for dangerous passes per 90, suggesting there is room for improvement in his creative output.

Offensively, Gallagher’s contributions are steady, albeit not standout, as he ranks in the 41.6th percentile for goal contributions per 90 and 11.45th percentile for expected goal contributions per 90.

His role is more supportive than leading in attack, but his ability to maintain possession and win duels makes him a valuable player in transitions and defensive phases.

Overall, Gallagher’s profile highlights his defensive tenacity and consistency in possession, making him a crucial part of Chelsea’s midfield engine.

Javi Serrano Scouting Report

Javi Serrano, a 20-year-old right central midfielder (RCM) shows a developing profile according to his player radar chart. As a young player still learning the game, some of his percentile rankings are lower, which is typical for someone at this stage of their career.

Defensively, Serrano shows promise, particularly in aerial duels where he ranks in the 65.4th percentile for aerial duels per 90 and 76.5th percentile for aerial duels won, indicating his ability to compete in the air.

However, his effectiveness in defensive duels needs further development, as reflected by his 35.8th percentile for defensive duels won.

In possession, Serrano demonstrates accuracy with a solid 83.9th percentile for pass accuracy, which is a positive sign for his future as a reliable distributor.

However, his involvement in progressive and dangerous passes is still limited, as he ranks in the 20.3rd and 16.0th percentiles, respectively, for these metrics.

His ability to receive passes per 90 (24.6th percentile) also suggests that he is still integrating into the team’s build-up play.

Offensively, Serrano’s contributions are minimal at this stage, with a goal contribution per 90 in the 1.2nd percentile and expected goal contribution per 90 in the 2.4th percentile.

This is understandable given his role and the learning curve associated with transitioning to higher levels of competition.

Overall, Javi Serrano’s radar chart reflects a player with potential, particularly in his aerial abilities and passing accuracy. As he continues to gain experience and develop his skills, his impact in other areas of the game is likely to grow, making him a young talent worth monitoring for the future.

Arthur Vermeeren Scouting Report

Arthur Vermeeren, an 18-year-old left-defensive midfielder (LDM) showcases a profile filled with potential as he continues to develop his skills at a young age. While some of his percentile rankings are still on the lower side, this is typical for a player at the beginning of his professional journey.

Defensively, Vermeeren shows promise in his duel engagements, particularly with a 68.9th percentile ranking in defensive duels per 90, which indicates his willingness to contest possession.

However, his success rate in these duels is still developing, as seen by his 31.0th percentile in defensive duels won and aerial duels won, suggesting areas for growth in his defensive game.

In possession, Vermeeren demonstrates solid passing capabilities, with a notable 75.8th percentile in pass accuracy, showing he can reliably distribute the ball.

His ability to contribute to progressive play is evident, with a 55.1st percentile in progressive passes per 90 and a strong 67.7th percentile in dangerous passes per 90.

These metrics highlight his potential as a playmaker who can help drive the team forward.

Offensively, Vermeeren’s contributions are already commendable for his age, ranking in the 46.5th percentile for goal contributions per 90 and 53.4th percentile for expected goal contributions per 90.

His involvement in attacking plays is supported by a 44.8th percentile in dribbles per 90 and a 72.4th percentile in passes per 90, which indicates his growing influence in the final third.

Overall, Arthur Vermeeren’s radar chart reflects a young player with significant potential, particularly in his passing and playmaking abilities. As he gains more experience and hones his defensive skills, Vermeeren is poised to become a more complete midfielder, making him a talent to watch in the coming years.

Julián Álvarez Scouting Report

Julián Álvarez, playing as a centre forward (CF) for Manchester City, exhibits a highly impressive profile according to his player radar chart, showcasing his well-rounded abilities across various aspects of the game.

Offensively, Álvarez is a significant threat, ranking in the 63.4th percentile for goal contributions per 90 and an even more impressive 73.05th percentile for expected goal contributions per 90.

His ability to consistently create and capitalize on scoring opportunities is further highlighted by his 84.6th percentile ranking for shots per 90.

Álvarez’s sharp movement in the box is reflected in his 69.2nd percentile for touches in the opposition penalty area, showcasing his knack for getting into dangerous positions.

In possession, Álvarez is a reliable and accurate passer, with a 98.0th percentile ranking for pass accuracy and a strong 94.2nd percentile in dangerous passes per 90, indicating his ability to contribute effectively to Manchester City’s attacking play.

He also ranks highly in received passes per 90, sitting in the 98.0th percentile, which underscores his involvement in the team’s build-up play and his ability to maintain possession in advanced areas.

His progressive passing ability is also notable, with a 74.95th percentile ranking, highlighting his contribution to advancing the play.

Defensively, while his primary role is attacking, Álvarez also puts in work off the ball, ranking in the 84.6th percentile for defensive duels per 90. However, his success in aerial duels is an area with room for improvement, as shown by his 59.6th percentile in aerial duels won.

Overall, Julián Álvarez’s radar chart reflects a forward who is not only lethal in front of goal but also highly effective in linking up play and contributing defensively, making him a critical component of Manchester City’s attacking arsenal.

Alexander Sørloth Scouting Report

Alexander Sørloth, currently playing as a centre forward (CF) for Villarreal, presents a distinctive profile that highlights his strengths and areas for growth based on his player radar chart.

Offensively, Sørloth shows potential with his goal contribution per 90 ranking in the 42.7th percentile and expected goal contribution in the 40.55th percentile.

While these metrics indicate that there is room for improvement in his scoring output, his involvement in attacking plays is bolstered by his solid performance in aerial duels, where he ranks in the 86.2nd percentile.

This suggests that Sørloth is a significant aerial threat, an important attribute for a target man.

In possession, Sørloth demonstrates reliable passing abilities, particularly in dangerous passes per 90, where he ranks in the 66.5th percentile, showing his capability to create opportunities for his teammates.

His pass accuracy stands at a respectable 60.1st percentile, which is important for maintaining possession in advanced positions.

However, his involvement in progressive passing is limited, as reflected by his 50.5th percentile in progressive passes per 90 and a lower percentile in received passes, indicating that he might not be as involved in the build-up play as some of his counterparts.

Defensively, Sørloth is active in duels, ranking in the 76.4th percentile for defensive duels per 90.

His success rate in these duels, however, is slightly lower, with a 50.3rd percentile in defensive duels won. This suggests that while he is committed to defensive actions, there is room for improvement in his effectiveness.

Overall, Alexander Sørloth’s radar chart reflects a forward with notable strengths in aerial duels and the ability to create dangerous passes.

As he continues to integrate into Villarreal’s system, refining his offensive output and involvement in build-up play could see him become an even more impactful player in the final third.

Samu Omorodion Scouting Report

Samu Omorodion, a 20-year-old centre forward (CF) for Deportivo Alavés, presents a developing profile according to his player radar chart, with certain areas showing promise while others indicate where he is still honing his skills.

Offensively, Omorodion displays potential, ranking in the 42.45th percentile for goal contributions per 90 and 37.5th percentile for expected goal contributions per 90.

His ability to generate scoring opportunities is supported by his 63.3rd percentile ranking for shots per 90, showing that he is regularly getting into positions to attempt shots on goal.

In possession, Omorodion’s passing accuracy is solid, with a 70.0th percentile ranking for accurate passes per 90.

However, his involvement in more advanced playmaking is still developing, as reflected by his 16.63rd percentile in dangerous passes per 90 and 15.0th percentile in progressive passes per 90.

His ability to receive passes is also an area for improvement, as he ranks in the 29.1st percentile for received passes per 90, indicating that he is still working on becoming more integrated into the team’s build-up play.

Defensively, Omorodion is strong in aerial duels, ranking in the 80.0th percentile for aerial duels per 90, which highlights his physical presence in the air. However, his effectiveness in defensive duels could be enhanced, as shown by his 36.6th percentile in defensive duels won.

Overall, Samu Omorodion’s radar chart reflects a young forward with significant potential, especially in his aerial ability and goal-scoring efforts. As he continues to gain experience and improve his involvement in possession and defensive contributions, Omorodion is likely to develop into a more well-rounded and impactful forward in the future.

Conclusion

Atlético Madrid’s recent squad overhaul under the guidance of Andrea Berta is a testament to the club’s ambition to remain a dominant force in both domestic and European football.

Berta’s meticulous approach to recruitment, focusing on data-driven decisions and long-term planning, has been instrumental in reshaping the team to address the weaknesses exposed during the 2023/2024 season.

By strategically revamping their defence with the acquisition of players like Robin Le Normand and Santiago Mouriño, Atlético aims to solidify their backline, ensuring greater reliability and physical presence in crucial moments.

In midfield, the introduction of high-energy players such as Conor Gallagher, Javi Serrano, and Arthur Vermeeren is expected to inject much-needed dynamism and progression into the team’s play, addressing the ageing and declining form of some of their current stars.

The forward line has also undergone significant changes, with the arrivals of Julián Álvarez and Alexander Sørloth providing new dimensions in attack, from clinical finishing to aerial dominance.

While the club considers the future of young talent Samu Omorodion, his potential and unique skill set could become a valuable asset should Atlético decide to integrate him fully into the squad.

As Atlético Madrid prepares for the 2024/2025 season, the combination of these new signings and the strategic direction led by Berta and Simeone positions the club to challenge for titles once again.

This rebuild is not just about immediate success but about laying the foundation for sustained competitiveness in the years to come.

With the right blend of experience, youth, and tactical flexibility, Atlético Madrid looks poised to reclaim their status as a top contender in football’s elite competitions.