Already under pressure: these three Atlético stars must deliver now | OneFootball

Atlético Madrid began the 2025 Club World Cup with a clear 0-4 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain. Serious weaknesses became apparent in all areas of the team. For the second group match against the Seattle Sounders, coach Diego Simeone will have to make personnel changes. In particular, three players failed to impress against PSG.

Rodrigo De Paul

In central midfield, Rodrigo De Paul was unable to bring order to the game. He lost possession numerous times and was inferior in many duels. Especially in transition situations, it became clear that De Paul struggled to disrupt the opponent’s build-up play.

He was also ineffective offensively, as he rarely positioned himself well between the lines or injected pace into the game. A temporary rotation seems sensible—players like Koke or Pablo Barrios could provide more control and presence in midfield.

Antoine Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann was almost invisible. He was unable to provide structure or creativity to the game, failed to register any dangerous shots, and struggled to connect with his teammates. Even his usually strong defensive work was barely noticeable.

Spanish media particularly criticized his passivity and lack of initiative in attack. In a tournament with short recovery times, a break could do the veteran good—alternatives like Julián Álvarez or Alexander Sørloth could bring fresh energy to the offense.

Robin Le Normand

In central defense, Robin Le Normand revealed major weaknesses. He was repeatedly out of position, lost crucial duels, and conceded a penalty through a handball. His coordination with partner Lenglet seemed error-prone, leaving the center open to PSG’s fast attackers.

He made simple but costly mistakes, especially with high balls and positioning. A change in the defensive line is urgently needed for the next match. Players like José María Giménez or César Azpilicueta could provide more stability.

Who disappointed you the most? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

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