Yesterday, all eyes were on Julián Álvarez's debut for Atlético de Madrid, which came in the second half. The Argentine striker started the match from the bench, which is normal given that he had had fewer training sessions. However, it was certainly not his dream debut, having only a few minutes against a fresher opponent.
However, it seems that Argentine fans did not like the fact that Julián Álvarez started the match as a substitute. Social media was filled with criticism from both Simeone and Atlético de Madrid for not letting him start. This Sunday, he will be able to make his debut in front of his home crowd in the match against Girona, which will be played at the Metropolitano .
Julian Alvarez and a bittersweet debut
It is not possible to analyse in depth the debut of the former Manchester City player as a new Atlético de Madrid player. The reality is that Julián Álvarez had not completed many training sessions and had not had any minutes in the friendlies either. Therefore, taking into account Simeone's tests, everything pointed to him starting as a substitute in the match against Villarreal .
However, it was very clear that he would get some minutes, no matter what the game was like, to start to get into rhythm. He did not come on in an appropriate context, as both teams were a bit tired after a first half where they had many chances. Julián Álvarez showed a lot of commitment when it came to defending, although he did not have any notable action in attack.
However, it seems that this has not gone down well with Argentina fans who were hoping to see their player in the starting line-up. Criticism and memes began to invade social media , all of them highlighting the fact that the player started from the bench. In fact, it seems that the criticism that Rodrigo de Paul is receiving for his poor form is not going down well either.
Rodrigo de Paul, in the center of the target
The Argentine midfielder also started the match as a substitute , but his few minutes on the pitch provoked a lot of criticism. Rodrigo de Paul was seen to be very erratic with the ball , missing passes that seemed simple and having a poor physical display . In addition, a play with Samuel Lino in defense left him very marked, not helping his teammate to protect a clear chance.
In fact, Atlético de Madrid fans have been criticising the Argentine international for some time now for not having the same commitment to his national team as he does to the club. Obviously, many Albiceleste fans criticised the opinions of the colchoneros, which they consider derogatory towards their player. Whatever the case, it is clear that the debut against Villarreal is leaving a multitude of opinions, and very different ones among them.
Simeone expects his best level
At the Metropolitano they are well aware that they have signed one of the best strikers in the world, but he needs to adapt. Marcos Llorente himself warned yesterday after the match that players like Julián Álvarez should not have trouble finding their best form at Atlético de Madrid . Now that he has made his debut, it cannot be ruled out that Simeone could give him the opportunity to start against Girona .