Two soccer players with a big red X over them.

Neither Julián nor Gallagher: Atlético de Madrid's most significant signing this summer

The Colchoneros have completed a transfer window full of eye-catching signings, but there was one that many people missed.

Atlético de Madrid have completed one of the best transfer markets in their history, bringing in numerous world-class players to strengthen their team this coming season. The red-and-whites spared no expense given their incipient need to incorporate new players to their disrupted squad. With the arrival of players such as Julián Alvarez , Conor Gallagher or Robin Le Normand , Atlético made the essential signing before the start of the market.

A football coach on a training pitch with several players in the background.
Luis Piñedo is one of the names of the summer for Atlético | Luis Piñedo

And the name that has gone unnoticed this summer has been, without a doubt, the club's new physical trainer, Luis Piñedo . The Madrid native has been with the club for many years, specifically in its lower categories, and has finally been able to make the jump to Atlético de Madrid 's first team this year. Piñedo came to fill the long shadow of " Profe" Ortega , a witness that he has perfectly picked up with the unprecedented figure of zero injuries in this league start.

The "Pinedo Method"

Atlético 's new coach has imposed a doctrine in line with what modern football demands, something that sets him apart from his predecessor in the position, the " Profe" . Piñedo knows how to treat each of his new players and has already given a good account of the squad he will have to work with in the coming years. Having played, as I said, four LaLiga games, it is incredible to think that the colchoneros have not suffered a single loss before the first international break of this season.

A football coach with a whistle and stopwatch in his hand, leading a training session while players watch.
Piñedo has devised an ideal system for his new team | Luis Piñedo

Furthermore, Piñedo already has a wonderful understanding with Diego Pablo Simeone , who had been following him for years at the Academy . El Cholo was very happy when he found out that he would be the one to replace Ortega , to whom he has surrendered on so many occasions due to his status as a red-and-white legend. Knowing that each footballer is unique, Piñedo has worked a miracle with some of the pillars of the squad, who are prone to suffering injuries at times.

The record man

Among that series of players who spend more time in the infirmary than on the pitch, the name of José María Giménez appears. The Uruguayan has been a crystal player for years, a shame considering that when he is fit he is, without a doubt, the leader of the Atlético defence. In addition, other footballers with a tendency to leave the team like Thomas Lemar have been touched by the magic wand of a Piñedo who has dazzled the fans of Atlético de Madrid .

A soccer player in a light blue uniform brings his tattooed hands to his face during a game.
Giménez is one of the players most likely to go through the infirmary | @josemariagimenez

A man of the house

Having been present, as I mentioned before, in the reserve and lower categories of the club, Piñedo was already well known to the Atlético fans. The Madrid native longed to one day become one of Diego Pablo Simeone 's right-hand men, as he is today. With the hope and determination to continue along this path and increase this good streak of zero injuries, Piñedo will continue to impart his policy and work to make it so.