Atlético de Madrid made the most expensive signing of the summer with the arrival of Julián Alvarez. The red-and-whites, after years of little investment and enthusiasm with signings, decided to make a statement. They paid close to 100 million euros, between fixed and variable, and so far the season has not started as many expected.
In four games, Julián has not scored a goal or provided an assist, despite having had some clear chances. However, this does not seem to worry Atlético de Madrid or the player himself. The Argentinean has just played in the Copa América and the Olympic Games and only had a few days of vacation.
His training sessions with the team have been very few and he needs to adapt. To do so, he needs time with his teammates and the coaching staff, but he won't have it now.
The international break hits Simeone hard
Atlético de Madrid believed that Julián might not be called up for Argentina due to his lack of rest. However, Scaloni did not want to let go of one of his stars and "La Araña" will be with the Albiceleste. He will not be the only red-and-white player, as Molina, De Paul, Juan Musso and Giuliano Simeone will accompany Julián Alvarez.
International breaks are a perfect opportunity to work on an almost individual basis with the players. A clear example of this is Lenglet, who has not been called up for France and will be under Simeone's orders for the next two weeks. The Argentine coach will be able to work and closely monitor the latest signing and try to get him to adapt as quickly as possible.
The others summoned
In addition to the Argentines mentioned above, Le Normand, Barrios, Oblak, Reinildo, Sorloth, Griezmann and Gallagher have been called up to their respective national teams. A break that comes at the start of the season and that adds a greater load of matches to players who have practically no rest.
The opportunity to work with Julián this time has vanished, but now the objective is different. The Argentine must get a good feeling with Scaloni and arrive after the break with his sights set on the up. At the moment there is calm at Atlético with their new star, but his call-up to Argentina has not been taken well.