Atlético de Madrid have achieved something very important in the first four games of the league championship. One of Simeone's main concerns last season was to achieve the defensive solvency that was so lacking. The red-and-white team experienced one of its worst seasons in terms of defence, conceding the same number of goals as the year in which they were relegated.
The fact that they have managed to keep three clean sheets in three games is a morale boost for the Colchoneros. One of the key players in achieving these numbers is Josema Giménez , who has shown great form. The Uruguayan is one of Simeone 's trusted men, as long as he is spared from the injuries that have harmed him so much.
Josema Giménez, an irreplaceable pillar
Since his arrival in 2013 , the Uruguayan international was destined to be the natural successor to Diego Godín at Atlético de Madrid. He only needed two seasons to fill the position vacated by Joao Miranda , who left for Inter Milan. Since then, Josema Giménez has been an indispensable defender in Simeone 's plans, although injuries have prevented him from shining.
Whenever they have been able to maintain their best form, the red-and-white team have been a real rock in defence. Good proof of this is this start to the season where the colchoneros have kept three consecutive clean sheets . It is true that they did not play against Espanyol, but they kept Jan Oblak 's goal safe once he came on to the pitch in the opening match against Villarreal .
In a season with so many games, Simeone knows that it will be key to be able to keep the Uruguayan centre-back at 100%. Atlético de Madrid have received very positively his suspension with Uruguay , preventing him from attending this September break. Right now, the defence cannot be understood without the pair formed by Josema Giménez and Robin Le Normand , missing a piece on the left.
Jan Oblak and a very special trophy
One of the Slovenian goalkeeper's main goals is to be able to fight for the Zamora Trophy again this season. The last time Jan Oblak won that award was in 2021 , when Atlético de Madrid ended up winning the league title. The defense has been getting worse over the years, something that has brought out the goalkeeper's shortcomings.
Therefore, it will be essential for players like Josema Giménez to have the necessary consistency in the Madrid team. Defense has always been the key to Simeone 's style of play, who has prioritized not conceding since he arrived in 2011. If the red-and-white team is able to find that solvency again, the fight for the titles will reach the Metropolitano .